Abstract · The Netherlands is the first country in the world where euthanasia assistants have been formally exempted from criminal prosecution. Could it happen then that the legislation on termination of life on request and assisted suicide pushes other European countries into this direction, too? One can only evaluate this possibility after carefully analyzing the legal characteristics of the text and the underlying principles of legalization. However, the basic logic of this legislation is clear: euthanasia remains a crime, but a crime that can be forgiven.

La légalisation de l’euthanasie et de l’aide au suicide aux Pay-Bas: un défi pour les Etats européens. Infokara. Revue intarnationale francophone de soins palliatifs, No 63. 2001./3. 3-10.

Abstract · Medical and psychotherapeutic societies have been aware of the special problems of terminally ill patients for years. Outstanding research has dealt with questions such as reversing the disease, extending life expectancy, improving quality of life, and assisting each stage of the dying process.

In this paper, the correct application of the hypnotherapeutic relationship that explores and correlates the psychotherapeutic needs of the terminally ill patient will be discussed. This includes the need to assess the existence of a life perspective or death perspective; and it also includes the resolution of internal conflicts in order to achieve better personality integration, a survey of the patient's life, and the exploration of their choices concerning their future. The followings will also be discussed: the importance of projective/evocative self-reinforcement in connection with the problems of life, social relationships, and intensifying spirituality; along with the important role of hypnotherapeutic transferences and countertransferences, as well as the holographic visualization of the situation of the ill patient in the distressing atmosphere of the terminal illness.

Claire Frederick: The Hypnotherapeutic Relationship with the Terminally Ill Patient: an overview. Hypnos, 1998. 25. (3.), 145-152.

Abstract · The superstitious belief of masticatio mortuorum (Schmatzen der Toten) is based on four elements: 1. the dead show signs of life, 2. they feel hunger, 3. they produce munching sounds by chewing on their shroud, clothes, or their own body, 4. they pose a threat to their family and community, since they often spread epidemics. This superstition is obviously connected to vampire beliefs, however, in its classic form, it can solely be detected among the German population. The present article summarizes the history of the superstition of masticatio mortuorum and its explanations dating from the 17-18^th centuries. According to the hypothesis of the author, the changing explanations also closely reflect the contemporary changes in the concept of death.

Abstract · Rest In Peace – such a sentence is commonplace within cultures of European character and it is often engraved on headstones. And yet, we do not actually grant peace to the dead – which can have various explanations. The most important one is the instinctive sense of attachment which can be detected even among animals, and we feel this attachment unconsciously during the period of mourning. Another crucial factor is the soul: it is hard to accept loss. Mourning can be considered as a way of easing the sense of loss, if we stay preoccupied with the dead and disturb them verbally or with our actions. Various ways have emerged to disturb the dead that became legalized and part of our cultural history. From mummification and reburial to cannibalism numerous examples are known. The present study offers an overview of such examples without aiming to be exhaustive.