Euthanasia 'Hand in Hand' Kills Former Dutch Prime Minister and Longtime Wife

A controversial former European leader has taken his own life, as has his wife, through doctor-guided euthanasia.

Knewz.com has learned about the decision by Dries Van Agt, who served as Dutch prime minister for five years.

Then-Dutch Prime Minister Dries Van Agt (center) met Vice President George H.W. Bush in 1981. By: MEGA

Van Agt’s organization “Rights Forum” revealed Friday, February 9 that he accepted death four days earlier, at age 93. Wife Eugenie, also 93, reportedly died “hand in hand” with him.

The couple was together for more than 70 years and “couldn’t live without each other,” Rights Forum director Gerad Jonkman said.

Euthanasia has been legal in the Netherlands for more than 20 years, but it is illegal and controversial in the United States.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Dutch doctors can assist people in killing themselves if they have “unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement.”

The Netherlands is one of a handful of countries where euthanasia is legal. By: MEGA

The Dutch make a distinction between euthanasia and “physician-assisted suicide.”

In euthanasia, the doctor administers “a fatal dose of a suitable drug.” The drug used for Van Agt and his wife has not been revealed.

A physician-assisted suicide, which is permitted in 10 U.S. states, has the doctor giving the fatal drug to a patient for that patient to take.

Under Dutch law, a person asking for euthanasia but do so “earnestly and with full conviction.” The rules expanded in 2023 to allow it for children with terminal illnesses.

Teenagers can request euthanasia in the Netherlands, but “parents must be involved in the decision-making process,” Dutch rules say.

The Netherlands had more than 8,500 euthanasia deaths in 2022, including 29 couples, compared with 186 physician-assisted suicides.

Wikipedia lists several other countries where euthanasia is legal, including Canada, Colombia, New Zealand and almost all of Australia.

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Van Agt became prime minister from 1977-82, after announcing plans to pardon four Nazi war criminals. He admitted at the time that he had an “Aryan” background.

After leaving office, Van Agt became more controversial because he often defended the Palestinians and opposed Israel. Jewish critics accused him of antisemitism.

Van Agt founded Rights Forum in 2009 to challenge what he called “blind support for Israel.” His group claims Israel violates “the fundamental rights of millions of Palestinians in often extremely violent ways.”

But according to The New York Post, Van Agt’s health began to decline in 2019. He developed a brain hemorrhage while speaking at a pro-Palestinian event.

Dutch officials didn’t focus on Von Agt’s politics in statements about his death.

The Dutch royal family did not mention Dries Van Agt’s controversial beliefs. By: MEGA

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and Princess Beatrix said he “managed to inspire many with his striking personality and colorful style.”

Current Prime Minister Mark Rutte compared Van Agt with a “great-great-grandfather,” saying he “gave color and substance to Dutch politics” by using “flowery and unique language.”

CTV News noted a private burial for the couple is planned in Nijmegen, Netherlands.