the book published in mid-September 2024 about the life and work of Rob Jonquière, director of the NVVE (Dutch Association of Entrepreneurs) from 1999 to 2008. The book was published to commemorate his departure from the World Federation of Right-to-Die Societies (WFRtDS), for which he remained a key figure for some sixteen years after officially retiring from the NVVE.
In his life story, as chronicled by Els Wiegant, former editor-in-chief of Relevant , dealing with death plays a significant role. Even during his medical studies, he developed an affinity for end-of-life issues. He says: “I think I moved in that direction, what you now call holistic, early on. All those experiences made me realize that contact with the patient, that deep, genuine connection, is so important to me. And I found that connection in general practice.”
His encounter with death and its unbearable and hopeless suffering led him to perform euthanasia twice during his time as a general practitioner in Hengelo, Overijssel, at a time when there was no legislation for it. These experiences have stayed with him throughout his life and taught him “how a successful euthanasia process can proceed and what euthanasia, even as a possibility at the end of the journey, can mean for someone.”
Although the book is published in English and was created as a farewell gift from the WFRtDS, Diplomat in End-of-Life Affairs is of interest to anyone interested in the law’s origins, the underlying ideas, and the exemplary role the Netherlands continues to serve for many other countries. Or, as the Dutch chair of the Icelandic Right-to-Die Association puts it: “We are partly grateful to Rob for making such progress in Iceland. He has contributed significantly to the discussion about a dignified end of life in this country, and we are grateful to him for that.”
