All the news
Eugenics
Jürgen Habermas: a prophetic voice in the face of contemporary excesses in bioethics
The death of Jürgen Habermas on 14 March at the age of 96 marks the passing of one of Europe’s great philosophical minds, whose work has consistently shed light on the ethical challenges of modernity, particularly in the field of science and technology. A leading figure in critical philosophy, Habermas profoundly influenced...
Abortion
In the Netherlands, the abortion pill is available on request via an online platform
The website thuisabortus.nl was launched in March 2026 under the leadership of GP and sexologist Peter Leusink. He heads a team currently comprising nine doctors and a midwife, who respond online to requests for...
Fertility and Pregnancy
The First 1,000 Days Campaign: where does humanity begin?
“Protecting children from endocrine disruptors during their first 1,000 days”: this is the aim of theprevention campaign launched on 1 April 2026 by the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) for Public Health, in...
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
A 50% rise in euthanasia cases over three years in Belgium: is death on demand a remedy for old age and dependency?
On 20 March, the Federal Commission for the Control and Evaluation of Euthanasia in Belgium (CFCEE) released the figures relating to euthanasia cases reported in 2025.
The number of euthanasia cases officially carried...
Abortion
My Voice My Choice: Has the European Commission decided to fund cross-border abortions within the EU?
On 26 February, the European Commission issued its official response to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) My Voice My Choice (MVMC). This stance was eagerly awaited, given that the initiative raised sensitive issues at the intersection of law, ethics and the EU’s competences.
Surrogacy
The Hague Conference: another setback for the international recognition of surrogacy
TThe Hague Conference has abandoned the draft protocol setting out the conditions under which states should recognise parent-child relationships arising from cross-border surrogacy. This was announced by the...
Parentage and Access to Origins
Assisted Reproduction – Belgium: End of donor anonymity… to better safeguard the child’s interests?
On 27 February, the Belgian Federal Government’s Council of Ministers approved a preliminary draft bill aimed at completely abolishing the anonymity of gamete donors (sperm and oocytes) in the context of assisted...
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Scotland – Rejection of the assisted suicide bill: a strong signal at European level?
On 17 March 2026, the Scottish Parliament rejected the “Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill” at its third reading, by 69 votes to 57. This vote brings to an end a legislative process lasting nearly two years,...
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?
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