Netherlands To Publish Suicide Guide

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A scientific guide to do-it-yourself suicide is to go on sale in the Netherlands to help people end their lives quickly and painlessly.

The book, the first of its kind to be published, is by a group of respected scientists and psychiatrists. It contains detailed information on using drugs as well as committing suicide by starvation, including the quickest and least painful way to do it. There are also chapters on the ethical and judicial questions for those who aid suicides. Its authors are also planning English, French, and German editions.

An author and psychiatrist, Boudewijn Chabot, said: "Doctors learn little about this subject during their training. This book is for people who want to make their own decisions about ending their own lives." He said most suicides were carried out with the help of family and friends, with common methods being the refusal of food and drink or the surreptitious collection of prescribed drugs until a lethal quantity is acquired.