Beginning of Life Beginning of Life
News Medically Assisted Reproduction
Assisted reproduction: a study reveals a psychological impact on children born from gamete donation
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 identity compared with children conceived naturally.
News Abortion
Reform of the Belgian Penal Code: "loss of pregnancy" regarded as an attack on personal integrity
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...
News Fertility and Pregnancy
Miscarriage: new "circumstantial leave" for couples from the start of pregnancy
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...
News Fertility and Pregnancy
Pregnancy: The unborn child will not be affected by radiotherapy to the upper body
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...
News Fertility and Pregnancy
Resilient women: a new medium gives voice to women who have experienced a "turbulent" pregnancy
"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 mothers, they made the choice to go...
News Abortion
Abortion: the European Parliament calls for complete decriminalisation
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...
News Surrogacy
The European Parliament lists "the exploitation of surrogate motherhood" as an act of human trafficking
On 23 April 2024, the European Parliament voted to amend the Directive on human trafficking to include surrogate motherhood among the acts of human trafficking that Member States are obliged to punish. Voted 563 in...
News Fertility and Pregnancy
Delaying or eliminating menopause thanks to cryopreservation of ovarian tissue?
In the early days of 2024, the prestigious scientific journal American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology published the results of a study to determine the feasibility of cryopreserving ovarian tissue in order to delay...
In the spotlight
All the news
Bereavement leave in the event of euthanasia: will it be possible to change one’s mind?
Belgium – Proposed liberalisation of abortion laws: 12, 14 or 18 weeks – a scientific question or an ethical choice?
Belgium: care for people with disabilities under scrutiny from the UN
Alberta (Canada): a setback for the expansion of euthanasia?
Surrogacy: between freedom-restricting contracts and eugenic abortions
Euthanasia in cases of advanced dementia: a further extension of Belgian law?
Our Themes
Beginning of Life
End of Life
Rights and Freedoms
Stay informed
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
Support the IEB
To carry out its activities, the IEB relies solely on the enthusiasm and motivation of private donors.
Any donation of €40 or more to the IEB is tax-deductible in Belgium, allowing you to reclaim 30% of your donation.