Danish doctor charged again over euthanasia plans

The retired Danish physician Svend Lings, previously convicted of assisting in suicides, has been charged with attempted manslaughter after stating his intention to help his dementia-stricken wife die, he told public broadcaster DR.

Fyn Police neither confirmed nor denied the charge but acknowledged officers had visited Lings’ home in Kværndrup, central Funen. Press officer Mads Boel said police acted on reports of an intent to commit a criminal act.

Lings told TV2 Fyn he had an agreement with his wife, who has incurable dementia, to end her life if her condition deteriorates to the point of requiring nursing home care.

Police raided his property with 12–14 officers and two dogs, seizing all his medication. Lings described the operation as expected but the scale overwhelming.

He said he was not surprised by the charge, though he had not anticipated the specific allegation of attempted manslaughter. His stance on potentially helping his wife die remains unchanged.