Over 27,000 people have been killed through euthanasia in Belgium since it was legalised 20 years ago on 28th May 2002, according to the latest official data from Belgian authorities.

The country has been cited as an example of a “slippery slope” that pro-life advocates warn is inevitable with such legislation. Though euthanasia was initially legalised under narrow, “strict conditions”, updates to the law have seen Belgium become the first and only country in the world to have no lower age limit enforced for children.

Belgian cases have also included instances where patients have been euthanised for psychiatric conditions, including depression.

“A fair and just society cares for its most vulnerable. International law protects everyone’s inherent right to life. It requires countries to protect the inherent dignity and lives of all people, rather than to help end those lives,” said Jean-Paul Van De Walle, legal counsel for ADF International in Brussels, Belgium.

In a move that Van De Walle says “threatens” the right to conscientious objection, a 2020 amendment in the law prevents health care institutions from objecting – by way of general policy or by specific provision – to euthanasia being practiced within the premises of their institution.