[Preference for assisted dying: observations and considerations].

What is preferable for a patient who has requested euthanasia: self-administration of a lethal drink (assisted dying), or to have a drug administered intravenously (euthanasia)? We analysed data from a total of 226 patients who had been helped with assisted dying. In 86% of the cases (195 patients) death occurred within 30 minutes. Thus, the predictability of the process of dying after drinking the lethal drink is relatively high. This implies that other aspects can be taken into consideration when making the choice between euthanasia and assisted dying, including the patient's own responsibility and the impact the method will have on relatives. On the grounds of our analysis and these considerations, our preference is for assisted dying, subject to medical contra-indications. We expect that, with this knowledge, more doctors will be able to help with assisted dying.