Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 earlier this afternoon

Loving, Living and Dying Together in the Netherlands

"Els and Jan have fewer than three days left on Earth. Childhood sweethearts who met in kindergarten more than six decades ago, they know precisely when they will die. And how. On an early summer's Monday morning they will travel to a nearby hospice. Some of their family and friends will accompany them. And then precisely at 10.30am - holding hands, they hope - two doctors will administer lethal medication to each of them.

In the Netherlands, euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal if someone is suffering unbearably with no prospect of getting better. The suffering can be physical or psychological. Els was diagnosed with dementia. Jan lived with pain 24/7.

Last year, 33 Dutch couples chose to die like Els and Jan. And in February, one of the Netherlands' former Prime Ministers ended his life by euthanasia together with his wife.

Linda Pressly meets Els and Jan as they prepare for the end. And she explores the complex issue of allowing euthanasia in cases of dementia. A warning: some listeners might find the content of this documentary upsetting.

Producer and presenter: Linda Pressly
Editor: Penny Murphy
Sound engineer: Neva Missirian
Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Read"

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I found this programme thought provoking and well made. I am in favour of assisted dying but I do realise the difficulties involved in legalising it. It is not a straight forward matter.

As others have said, be caretul what you wish for.