Belgium’s Euthanasia Commission announced that 2,655 Belgians were killed by euthanasia in 2019. The figures represent an increase of 12.5% compared to the previous year. One child is confirmed to have been killed.

Belgium legalised euthanasia in 2002 and there has been a consistent increase in the numbers being killed by it since then.

The law is not restricted to the terminally ill or to adults as children and people with psychiatric conditions are also eligible to be killed there.

Despite its laxity, legislators are looking to expand the law further to permit euthanasia based on having reached a ‘completed life’ which would not require any physical suffering at all as a pre-condition.

John Deighan of SPUC UK said the worsening situation in Belgium is an example of the ‘slippery slope’ in operation.

“Here in the UK, we cannot make the same mistake. We must oppose every move to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide. That would be a tragic step towards creating a culture where people feel their best option in life is to die.

“There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ law on assisted suicide. And we cannot hide behind the idea that it is always a ‘voluntary’ act. Once assisted suicide is legal, disabled, sick and elderly people can easily be made to feel that they ought to choose death.