There has recently been widespread media coverage around the world about Belgium allowing a 64-year-old woman to be euthanized.
Godelievy de Troyer of Belgium had suffered from chronic depression for approximately 40 years. The 64-year-old approached her doctor, Wim Distelmans, one day and told him she wanted to be euthanized. Distelman agreed right away because he is a well-known activist who advocates for the legalization of euthanasia. The ‘procedure’ on the 64-year-old woman was carried out in 2012.
As it turned out, the woman had not discussed anything with her son Tom Mortier or any other family member. Mortier claims that Belgium violated the European Convention on Human Rights.
“She had been seeing psychiatrists for years, and we had lost contact with her for a while. She died as a result of a lethal injection during this time. I never imagined we’d be separated for good “- stated the deceased’s son.
The case was heard by the Human Rights Court, which ruled on Tuesday that Belgium had failed to conduct an adequate investigation into the circumstances surrounding Godelieva de Troyer’s euthanasia.
It went on to say that it had violated Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which states that everyone’s right to life should be protected.
However, the court did not rule that the Belgian legal framework on euthanasia had been violated.
“The doctor concluded at the end of the interview that she had experienced severe trauma, that she had severe personality and mood disorders, and that she no longer believed in recovery or treatment.
Under the Euthanasia Act, he agreed to become her doctor “-this was the court’s conclusion.
“We applaud the court’s finding of an Article 2 violation, which demonstrates the inadequacy of’safeguards’ for the intended termination of life.”
-notified the Christian Alliance for Freedom (ADF International).
Remember that in Belgium, euthanasia is permitted when “a medically critical condition of permanent and unbearable physical or mental suffering” cannot be alleviated.
According to the most recent statistics, over 28,000 people have died as a result of euthanasia since its legalization in 2002.
Agnieszka Malinowska
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