Belgium euthanasia cases rise, many involve non-terminal patients official report confirms. Almost one quarter received euthanasia despite not suffering from terminal illnesses reported authorities.
Commission notes multiple incurable chronic conditions were most common euthanasia justification provided.
Neurological diseases, cognitive and psychiatric disorders followed as next major cited reasons. Most files approved without additional information, none referred to judicial authorities afterward.
Majority of patients were over seventy, with few under forty seeking euthanasia. Overall euthanasia cases accounted for nearly four percent of total national deaths.