Former Dutch health minister Els Borst, who pushed for euthanasia legalization, found dead

AMSTERDAM – Dutch police say Els Borst, a former Dutch health minister who played a prominent role in the country’s 2001 legalization of euthanasia, has been found dead in her garage.

She was 81 and appeared at a function of her D66 political party as recently as Friday. When coroners could not immediately confirm a natural cause of death, police cordoned off the area.

Utrecht police spokesman Thomas Aling told state broadcaster NOS Tuesday that police haven’t ruled out a natural cause of death, an accident, or a crime, but added they had no reason to suspect a crime.

Borst was a medical academic who served as health minister from 1994-2002. She also drafted the legislation which permits the use of tissue from aborted fetuses for medical research.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles