In recent years, Belgium has witnessed a significant rise in euthanasia cases, prompting discussions on the ethical implications and legislative frameworks surrounding the practice. According to recently released data, euthanasia accounted for 4% of all deaths in Belgium in 2025, more than doubling over the past five years.
The Federal Commission for the Control and Evaluation of Euthanasia, mandated to report biennially, highlighted this upward trend. From 2,445 euthanasia cases in 2020, representing 1.9% of deaths, the figure surged to 4,487 in 2025. A notable spike occurred between 2024 and 2025, with cases jumping from 3,991 to 4,487.
Legalized in 2002, euthanasia in Belgium has seen a dramatic increase from the initial 235 cases to a cumulative total of 42,000 deaths. This trend raises questions, particularly in the UK, where legislative efforts to introduce medically assisted suicide have largely focused on terminally ill individuals.
Interestingly, the Belgian report reveals that many opting for euthanasia were not terminally ill. In 2025, approximately 25% (1,117) of euthanasia cases involved individuals not expected to die imminently, a threefold increase from 311 cases in 2020.
The report also noted cases involving minors, with two individuals under 18 choosing euthanasia—one in 2024 and another in 2025. Furthermore, there were instances where the procedure did not fully adhere to established protocols.
Additional findings indicate a rise in euthanasia cases among individuals with dementia, psychiatric disorders, or those expressing fatigue with life. This has sparked concern among various advocacy groups.
Alisdair Hungerford-Morgan, CEO of Right To Life UK, commented on these developments, stating, “It is deeply alarming that in just five years, euthanasia deaths as a proportion of total deaths in Belgium have more than doubled.” He continued, “It is worrying that such large increases in the number of people ending their lives in this manner have happened, especially for individuals with certain conditions; a 250% increase in the number of people with dementia ending their lives by euthanasia in only seven years is deeply disturbing.”
The release of these figures coincides with setbacks in the UK’s attempts to legalize assisted suicide. In September, British MPs voted 286 to 270 against a bill for England and Wales, while the Scottish Parliament rejected a related proposal by 69 to 57 votes in March. Both bills aimed to permit terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to seek medical assistance in dying.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
