Headlines
EIB NEWS : UN criticises Belgium for ‘high rate’ of abortions linked to prenatal Down’s Syndrome tests
Temps de lecture : 2 min.
In its latest report, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities notes with ‘concern’ that the ‘negative perception of persons with disabilities’ in Belgian society contributes to the ‘high level of...
Cryopreservation of embryos: Study highlights ethical issues involved in their preservation and inevitable destruction
Temps de lecture : 2 min.
According to a study published last June, the number of human embryos cryopreserved following artificial reproduction has reached a record level in the UK. Published in The New Bioethics, the study analysed data provided by the UK Human...
Australia: Study highlights impact of euthanasia on palliative care
Temps de lecture : 2 min.
A study published in the journal BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care in May 2024 looked at the impact of euthanasia on palliative care in Victoria, where the practice has been decriminalised in 2017. The study was conducted across three care...
Assisted reproduction: a study reveals a psychological impact on children born from gamete donation
Temps de lecture : 1 min.
A study published on 27 June 2024 in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology highlights the greater risk of children conceived using gamete donation developing mental health problems and encountering difficulties in constructing their...
Belgium under the UN’s microscope regarding the rights of people with disabilities: between inclusion and the extinction of Down's syndrome
Temps de lecture : 2 min.
In August and September, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) will examine the situation of people with disabilities and their rights in Belgium. Among the issues that could be raised are the implications...
Pre-conception screening: Is it necessary to know everything before conceiving a child ?
Temps de lecture : 2 min.
Carrier screening is a test carried out before conception for couples who are at risk of passing on a genetic disease to their offspring. Ghent University Hospital recently asked the government to reimburse the cost of these genetic tests for all...
The ECHR reiterates that no country is obliged to legalize euthanasia or assisted suicide
Temps de lecture : 3 min.
In its decision of 13 June 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that the Hungarian government's ban on euthanasia and assisted suicide did not breach the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Karsai, a Hungarian citizen...
Reform of the Belgian Penal Code: "loss of pregnancy" regarded as an attack on personal integrity
Temps de lecture : 2 min.
The new Books I and II of the Belgian Penal Code were adopted by the Federal Parliament on 22 February 2024. Article 79, 17° defines offences against personal integrity, which now include "loss of pregnancy". This is defined as "the act of ...
Miscarriage: new "circumstantial leave" for couples from the start of pregnancy
Temps de lecture : 1 min.
On 3 May 2024, the Belgian federal government approved a draft Royal Decree granting 2 working days' leave in the event of a miscarriage. This new leave for federal civil servants will fill the gap between the start of pregnancy and the 180 days...
Pregnancy: The unborn child will not be affected by radiotherapy to the upper body.
Temps de lecture : 1 min.
A study by UZ Leuven published in April 2024 in the scientific journal The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health investigated whether radiotherapy for cancer in pregnant women has an impact on the long-term health of their children. According to the...
Resilient women: a new medium gives voice to women who have experienced a "turbulent" pregnancy
Temps de lecture : 1 min.
"Will I be able to look after him?” This is one of the questions asked by pregnant women who are going through an ordeal with their pregnancy, and whose stories have been collected by the Résilientes media. Although they never expected to become mo...
Abortion: the European Parliament calls for complete decriminalisation
Temps de lecture : 2 min.
On 11 April 2024, the European Parliament voted (336 in favour, 163 against and 39 abstentions) for a resolution to amend Article 3 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union to include the right to abortion. Although European...
Our thematics
Presentation of the EIB
Due to increasing social issues arising from technological advancement, each year we are faced with new ethical questions.
In response, the European Institute of Bioethics has decided to provide well documented information in order to raise awareness in these ethical areas.
The following are some of our current challenges, our means of action and what we need in order to succeed.