A physician is permitted to grant a written request for euthanasia from individuals suffering from advanced dementia. All of the statutory requirements applicable to euthanasia must be satisfied in such situations, however, including the requirement of unbearable suffering without prospect of improvement. In that event, the physician is not subject to criminal prosecution. The Dutch Supreme Court handed down this judgment today in a case brought 'in the interest of the law'. In its judgment, the Supreme Court explained the premises for imparting substance to the requirements of due care in that special situation.