More choice on the way for dying patients

Cross-party support in Parliament could open the door to a less painful and less stressful death

There is now a majority in Parliament in favour of giving patients more options when it comes to receiving treatment at the end of their lives.

At present, if a person is considered to be imminently dying, they can receive help to die in the form of large amounts of painkilling-drugs.

However, the health minister, Ellen Trane Nørby, feels that Danes ought to have more influence on how their life ends, reports DR Nyheder.

“It’s extremely important to ensure that people have more say in the matter. We need to greatly expand the possibilities for pain relief compared to what we have today.”

READ MORE: Nurses applaud terminally-ill medication legislation

Taking control at the end
The idea is that patients will be able to choose to receive large doses of painkillers even though a doctor judges they could live longer than a few weeks.

“When a doctor says someone is going to die within a few weeks, there should be the possibility to stop medicine, food and drink and give soporifics so that the person ends up peacefully dying in their sleep,” explained the Socialdemokratiet spokesperson on health issues, Flemming Møller Mortensen.

According to Danske Folekeparti, it would also provide comfort and security for the patient to know they can avoid a long and painfully drawn-out death.

“Many people are afraid that they will suffer at the end, but they ought not to have to. We would like to see a dignified process for death in which the patient can say that they no longer want to be connected to a life-support machine or whatever other treatment they are undergoing,” said Liselott Blixt, DF’s health spokesperson.

The will to die
Another suggestion is a legally-binding will that ensures the individual can refuse life-extending treatment in advance.

“That would help focus on making sure that doctors respect the wishes of their patients regarding treatment and the fact that they don’t want to be kept alive against their will,” said Blixt.

Det Etiske Råd, the government’s ethical council, is also positive. There is also an advantage for people working in the health sector because it removes doubts about what treatment a dying patient should be given.

“It removes the uncertainty that health staff might have because in the penal code there are some paragraphs regarding helping people in distress,” said the council’s chairman, Gorm Greisen.




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.