Thousands killed by euthanasia and assisted suicide across Belgium and Netherlands

Belgium permits children and people with psychiatric conditions to die by assisted suicide. (Photo: Unsplash/Alex Vasey)

Thousands of people have died by euthanasia and assisted suicide since being legalized in the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Both countries introduced euthanasia and assisted suicide laws in 2002, although Belgium's go further in allowing children and people with psychiatric conditions to be eligible. 

Data from the Institute for Medical Anthropology and Bioethics in Vienna shows that since then, there has been a surge in people dying this way in Belgium, from just 24 in 2002 to 2,656 in 2019. 

The figures are even higher in the Netherlands, rising from 1,882 to 6,361 in the same period. 

Antonia Tully, of the Lives Worth Living Campaign by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), said that "each death is a tragedy". 

"It is sad that people see death as the solution to their problems. But this is how people start to think once euthanasia has been legalised," she said. 

She raised concerns that some people may be choosing to end their lives to avoid being a burden on their families.

She cited 2018 data from Washington State in the US - where assisted suicide is legal - which found that over half (51%) of people who were killed in this way did so because they felt they were a burden on family, friends and caregivers. 

"There is a creeping culture of death spreading around the globe as euthanasia laws are passed in one country after another," she said.

"During 2020, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal all passed bills to allow assisted suicide. Here in Britain, we must resist all attempts to normalise this dangerous practice and instead promote a society where each human life is valued and respected."

News
CoE's interfaith bishop welcomes decision to bar Kanye West from Britain
CoE's interfaith bishop welcomes decision to bar Kanye West from Britain

The Bishop of Willesden said that cultural expression must "not amplify fear or legitimise prejudice".

Indian Supreme Court ruling could deprive 'untouchable' Christians of protections
Indian Supreme Court ruling could deprive 'untouchable' Christians of protections

An Indian Supreme Court ruling could deprive Christian converts from among the lowest castes access to affirmative action programmes and other benefits.

Trying to increase attendance is biggest challenge for church leaders
Trying to increase attendance is biggest challenge for church leaders

Other concerns including improving discipleship and engaging younger generations.

Christians demand Lebanon be included in ceasefire
Christians demand Lebanon be included in ceasefire

The exact terms of the ceasefire are unclear and disputed.