Over the last two decades, Dutch courts have left room for euthanasia (i.e., the deliberate termination of the life of a person on his request by another person). Although a crime under the Penal Code, euthanasia will usually not result in prosecution and conviction if it is committed by a physician according to rules of careful medical practice (including consultation of another physician); if the patient's request is voluntary, well-considered, and enduring; and if there is unacceptable and hopeless suffering and there are no other solutions to the patient's situation.