Euthanasia responsible for 4 per cent of Belgium’s deaths in 2025

Four per cent of deaths in Belgium resulted from euthanasia last year, official statistics show.

A record 4,486 people were killed in 2025, 12.4 per cent higher than 2024. A quarter of people who died were not terminally ill, and one child was killed.

Since the country legalised euthanasia in 2003, over 42,000 people have been killed with medical assistance. The legislation was expanded to include under-18s in 2014.

Under-60s

The report noted that most of those killed were over 70 years old (74 per cent), while almost ten per cent were under 60.

It stated: “Euthanasia for patients for whom death was not expected in the short term continues to increase (1,117 cases in 2025, compared to 932 in 2024)”

There was also a 36 per cent increase in euthanasia for psychiatric conditions and cognitive disorders, including dementia (151, up from 107 in 2024).

Regarding the death of the child, the report added: “One euthanasia case involving a minor patient was declared in 2025, bringing the total number of cases to seven since the extension of the law to minors in 2014.”

‘Horrifying’

Simon Calvert, Deputy Director at The Christian Institute, said: “In Belgium, euthanasia continues to increase in a society that is promoting death instead of life.”

He noted: “It is horrifying that thousands of people, many who are nowhere near a natural death, are being handed lethal drugs by the very authorities that should be protecting them.

“We pray that governments will have a renewed understanding of the sanctity of life regardless of age or capacity, and that the most vulnerable will have access to real help and support in their time of need, not be doled out death in the guise of healthcare.”