'Door eigen hand. Zelfmoord en de nabestaanden' by Joost Zwagerman
Joost Zwagerman
In this book of essays and interviews on suicide, writer Joost Zwagerman argues that medically assisted dying for psychological reasons is unwarranted. The author, who took his own life in 2015, has been a prominent voice in Dutch discourse surrounding this issue.
'Moeders springen niet van flats' by Elena Lindemans
Elena Lindemans (director)
Filmmaker Elena Lindemans discusses her mother’s suicide with her sister, her mother’s partner, doctors and others. Her mother took her own life after doctors told her that her mental suffering did not meet the criteria for euthanasia. The documentary critiques the limited access to euthanasia for psychological reasons at the time of its production, despite having been legally possible since 2002.
'Witte flits' by Laura Hermanides
Laura Hermanides (director and writer), Roelof Jan Minneboo (writer)
Rick has been suffering from severe psychological issues for twenty years. His persistent wish not to live any longer is acknowledged by a psychiatrist, who assists with his suicide. Rick is actively supported by his parents, who come to recognize the hopelessness of their son’s situation.
'Alices Reise in die Schweiz. Szenen aus dem Leben des Sterbehelfers Gustav Strom' by Lukas Bärfuss
Lukas Bärfuss
Zurich-based physician Gustav Strom assists individuals with mental illnesses, such as Alice from Germany, in ending their lives. The fact that criminal proceedings are being initiated against him only strengthens his resolve. The play has been received as an important contribution to the public debate, and praised for its ambivalent stance and critical examination of assisted dying.