For Belgium’s tormented souls, euthanasia-made-easy beckons

June 17, 2013

The Belgian parliament is now considering expanding euthanasia in ways that many Americans might find startling. Under one proposal, gravely ill teenagers could seek euthanasia, if their parents agreed. Another bill would let patients with early Alzheimer’s sign a declaration asking to have their life ended when a doctor concludes they’re no longer interacting with the outside world, even if they seem vigorous and happy at the time. Now, patients must be lucid to request euthanasia, which is generally carried out soon after. (The Wall Street Journal)