Number of euthanasia cases in Belgium rose by 12 per cent in 2025
The number of patients undergoing euthanasia in Belgium is rising again. In 2025, there were 4,486 cases, an increase of over 12 per cent compared to 2024. This is reported by the Federal Commission for the Control and Evaluation of Euthanasia (FCCEE).
Around half of the patients in Belgium who opted for euthanasia in 2025 were suffering from cancer. The second-largest group (30 per cent) requested euthanasia due to polypathology, an increase of 2.7 per cent compared to 2024. “These are patients who have an accumulation of ailments,” explains Wim Distelmans, professor of palliative medicine. “Each ailment on its own may be bearable, but the accumulation proves to be a bridge too far for many.”
Euthanasia in cases of psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairments remains rare. These account for 1.6 per cent and 1.7 per cent of cases respectively.
Most experienced both physical and psychological suffering (86 per cent). Around 12 per cent experienced only physical suffering and 1.9 per cent exclusively psychological suffering. However, the latter should not be confused with a psychiatric disorder, the FCCEE emphasises. "Psychological suffering can also be the result of a physical condition. In the case of cancer, for example, the pain can be alleviated by treatments, but the psychological suffering associated with the loss of autonomy or dignity can remain very much present.”
In three out of four cases, death was expected in the short term. At the same time, euthanasia among patients who are not terminally ill has increased: 1,117 cases in 2025 compared to 923 cases in 2024.
The majority of patients were over 70 years of age (73.7 per cent), of whom 45 per cent were over 80 years of age. “Euthanasia for patients under 40 remains rare,” underlined the FCCEE. Last year, this accounted for 1.4 per cent of all requests. In 2025, euthanasia was performed on one minor. Since the extension of the law in 2014, a total of seven cases have been recorded, according to professor Distelmans.
People wishing to undergo euthanasia mainly approach their GP. It is also GPs who most frequently carry out the procedure. This mainly takes place in the patient’s home environment - in 67 per cent of cases.
Finally, the commission notes that last year, 123 patients residing abroad travelled to Belgium to have their request for euthanasia granted. Active euthanasia is prohibited in many countries.
Illustration © PHOTO Simon Wohlfahrt / AFP
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