- Feb 5, 2002
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Belgian lawmakers are weighing a controversial amendment to the country’s 20-year-old euthanasia law that would allow patients diagnosed with dementia to be euthanized, provided they signed a “Declaration of Intent” while still mentally competent.
The proposed changes would mark a significant expansion of Belgium’s euthanasia legislation, originally passed on May 28, 2002, making it the second country in the world to legalize the practice. Since its introduction, 37,606 people have died through euthanasia in Belgium, 72.6% of them over age 70 and 43.2% aged 80 or older, according to official data through 2023.
Supporters of the amendment argue it would allow patients to exercise autonomy even if they lose the ability to communicate their wishes. The Institute for Medical Anthropology and Bioethics (IMABE), an Austrian think tank established by the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, reported on March 26 that the proposed law would extend euthanasia to those who are no longer capable of expressing consent.
Continued below.
www.christianpost.com
The proposed changes would mark a significant expansion of Belgium’s euthanasia legislation, originally passed on May 28, 2002, making it the second country in the world to legalize the practice. Since its introduction, 37,606 people have died through euthanasia in Belgium, 72.6% of them over age 70 and 43.2% aged 80 or older, according to official data through 2023.
Supporters of the amendment argue it would allow patients to exercise autonomy even if they lose the ability to communicate their wishes. The Institute for Medical Anthropology and Bioethics (IMABE), an Austrian think tank established by the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, reported on March 26 that the proposed law would extend euthanasia to those who are no longer capable of expressing consent.
Continued below.
Euthanasia law expansion to include dementia patients being considered in Belgium
Belgian lawmakers are weighing a controversial amendment to the country s 20-year-old euthanasia law that would allow patients diagnosed with dementia to be euthanized, provided they signed a
www.christianpost.com
