So there is no reason to fear the so-called “slippery slope” that is often brought forward when it comes to the debate on the legalization of euthanasia. “It is feared that we will soon find ourselves unable to prevent involuntary euthanasia” (Downie, 2004) because “once people have accepted certain practices, they will in fact continue to accept other practices as well.” (Downie, 2004). There is no evidence to support this claim, but there is data from a Dutch study that assumes that "the legalization of euthanasia in the Netherlands has not resulted in a slippery slope for end-of-life medical practices." (Rietjens, JAC et El., 2009). "In 1990, 1.7% of all deaths were preceded by euthanasia, (...) in 2005, (...) 1.7% of all deaths were the result of euthanasia." (Rietjens, JAC et El., 2009) In short: The number of deaths caused by euthanasia has not changed in 15 years. If the legalization of euthanasia had led the Netherlands down a slippery slope, mortality rates would have increased. But – referring to this study – yes
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