All the news
Illness & Disability
UN criticises Belgium for ‘high rate’ of abortions linked to prenatal Down’s Syndrome tests
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 selective termination of pregnancy’.
Embryo
Cryopreservation of embryos: Study highlights ethical issues involved in their preservation and inevitable destruction
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...
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Australia: Study highlights impact of euthanasia on palliative care
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...
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...
Illness & Disability
Belgium under the UN’s microscope regarding the rights of people with disabilities: between inclusion and the extinction of Down's syndrome
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 of systematic screening for Down’s syndrome during pregnancy.
Eugenics
Pre-conception screening: Is it necessary to know everything before conceiving a child ?
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...
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
The ECHR reiterates that no country is obliged to legalize euthanasia or assisted suicide
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,...
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...
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.