In a groundbreaking move for patient autonomy, more than 7.400 Danish citizens over the age of 60 have chosen to opt out of resuscitation in the event of a cardiac arrest. This option—available through the government’s online health portal, Sundhed.dk—was introduced just a month ago as part of a law amendment aimed at strengthening individual self-determination.
Clear new option for end-of-life decisions
Following a unanimous decision in the Folketing (Danish Parliament), citizens over 60 can now log into Sundhed.dk and formally indicate if they do not wish to be resuscitated. The policy change reflects growing recognition of the importance of personal choice in end-of-life care and has already seen significant uptake.
Demographic insights and statistics
According to data from the Danish Health Data Authority (Sundhedsdatastyrelsen), a total of 7.435 individuals have registered their decision. The majority of these citizens fall within the 75 to 79 age group, and more than 4.500 of those opting out are women. This trend suggests that discussions about mortality and end-of-life care may be more accessible among female patients.
Senior consultant Anna Wilroth explains,
“It may be because women probably have an easier time talking about death both with their closest ones and their doctor. Women might also act a little quicker.”
Policy and healthcare implications
Health Minister Sophie Løhde (V) underscored the significance of the new option in a recent press release, stating,
“It is a personal choice, which I fully respect. For it is up to each individual person to choose how they want to end life.”
Despite this development, bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest are still required to attempt resuscitation and call for help. The opt-out directive specifically guides healthcare personnel, allowing them to refrain from initiating life-saving measures when a patient’s wishes have been clearly documented.
Nordic perspectives on end-of-life decisions
Across the Nordic region, countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland are also re-examining their approaches to patient autonomy and end-of-life care.
- In Norway, citizens have long had access to advanced care planning through their official health portal, Helsenorge.no. However, while similar policies exist, the uptake for formally declining resuscitation remains lower compared to Denmark, and healthcare professionals continue to encourage open discussions about life-saving measures.
- In Sweden, patient autonomy has been an ongoing topic of debate. Although Swedish healthcare policy strongly supports the concept of informed patient choice, the legal framework for refusing resuscitation is not as explicit as Denmark’s. This has led to increasing dialogue among the elderly and healthcare providers, particularly as public discussions gain momentum in response to initiatives in neighboring countries.
- In Finland, the concept of advanced care directives is evolving. Finnish citizens are gradually embracing discussions about end-of-life preferences during routine healthcare consultations. Although comprehensive statistics on the opt-out of resuscitation are not yet widely available, early indications suggest that the practice is becoming more common as awareness of patient rights grows.
A step forward in patient autonomy
This initiative represents a significant shift in Danish healthcare policy, one that emphasizes the right of individuals to control their end-of-life care. The move has sparked international interest as other nations examine similar measures to balance medical ethics, patient rights, and emergency response protocols.
By providing a clear and accessible way to record their preferences, the new system on Sundhed.dk empowers elderly citizens to make informed decisions about their own care—reinforcing a broader commitment to personal freedom and respect for individual choices in healthcare.
