In 2023, Belgium reported a significant rise in euthanasia cases, with 3,423 instances compared to 2,966 in the previous year.

This increase represents euthanasia accounting for 3.1% of the total 111,376 deaths in Belgium, averaging 9 to 10 cases per day.

Among those requesting euthanasia, patients with malignant tumors, particularly cancers of the digestive organs, lungs, breasts, blood, and genital organs, made up 57.5% of all requests over the two-year period.

The report revealed that a significant majority, 70%, of patients seeking euthanasia were over 80 years old, with 32% being over 90.

A poignant case highlighted in the report was that of a 93-year-old woman suffering from multiple health issues, who sought euthanasia due to unbearable psychological suffering.

Her euthanasia request was approved by both a general practitioner and an internist, who cited severe somatic and psychological suffering as the basis for their decision.

The second most common reason for euthanasia requests was multiple chronic refractory conditions, which increased from 19.6% in 2022 to 23.2% in 2023.

Many patients reported serious health issues, with 50% suffering from severe heart failure and disabling polyarthritis, and 30% facing treatable cancers complicated by multiple chronic conditions.

Chronic health conditions often lead to significant psychological suffering, a key factor in the decision to seek euthanasia, as supported by scientific research.

The report emphasizes that feelings of despair and fear of further deterioration are more critical in euthanasia requests than a sense of having lived a fulfilled life.