@historybyhumans: Nic and Trees Elderhorst, both 91, had been married for 65 years when they chose to undergo euthanasia together in the Netherlands in 2017. Nic’s health had declined after a stroke in 2012 that severely reduced his mobility, while Trees was experiencing worsening mobility and memory problems.   Their family said the couple feared being separated, with Trees potentially needing to enter a nursing home if her husband died first. Their daughters said that dying together was their deepest wish.   The decision was not immediate. The couple discussed their wishes and went through an assessment process lasting about a year, while a geriatrician determined that Trees was still mentally competent to make the decision.   Under Dutch law, euthanasia requires a voluntary and well-considered request and unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement, among other safeguards. Having two members of a couple qualify at the same time is unusual, so joint euthanasia cases are rare.   The Netherlands became the first country to legalize euthanasia in 2002. By 2015, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide accounted for about 4.5% of deaths in the country, up from 1.7% in 1990, before legalization.   The Elderhorsts died surrounded by family. Their daughters later said the couple gave each other a kiss and died holding hands, according to their wishes.

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Monday 31 August 2026 21:05:19 GMT