All the news
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Euthanasia in cases of advanced dementia: a further extension of Belgian law?
When, in November 2025, Belgium’s Bioethics Advisory Committee issued an opinion in favour of extending euthanasia to cases of advanced dementia, it was expected that such a stance would reignite parliamentary debate on this contentious issue. Appearing on VRT on 21 April, Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) confirmed her intention...
Abortion
Criminalisation of abortion prior to 1990 in Belgium: towards recognition of ‘harm’?
The Belgian Federal Parliament is currently considering a draft resolution aimed at recognising the harm suffered by individuals convicted under criminal provisions criminalising abortion prior to its partial...
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
United Kingdom – Assisted suicide bill fails: ‘We need more care, not more deaths’
The bill to decriminalise assisted suicide in England and Wales was ultimately not passed. Friday 24 April, the final day of the parliamentary session, marked the end of lengthy debates in the House of Lords, which had...
Eugenics
Jürgen Habermas: a prophetic voice in the face of contemporary excesses in bioethics
The death of Jürgen Habermas on 14 March at the age of 96 marks the passing of one of Europe’s great philosophical minds, whose work has consistently shed light on the ethical challenges of modernity, particularly in...
Abortion
In the Netherlands, the abortion pill is available on request via an online platform
The website thuisabortus.nl was launched in March 2026 under the leadership of GP and sexologist Peter Leusink. He heads a team currently comprising nine doctors and a midwife, who respond online to requests for prescriptions for abortion pills.
Fertility and Pregnancy
The First 1,000 Days Campaign: where does humanity begin?
“Protecting children from endocrine disruptors during their first 1,000 days”: this is the aim of theprevention campaign launched on 1 April 2026 by the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) for Public Health, in...
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
A 50% rise in euthanasia cases over three years in Belgium: is death on demand a remedy for old age and dependency?
On 20 March, the Federal Commission for the Control and Evaluation of Euthanasia in Belgium (CFCEE) released the figures relating to euthanasia cases reported in 2025.
The number of euthanasia cases officially carried...
Abortion
My Voice My Choice: Has the European Commission decided to fund cross-border abortions within the EU?
On 26 February, the European Commission issued its official response to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) My Voice My Choice (MVMC). This stance was eagerly awaited, given that the initiative raised sensitive...
In the spotlight
All the newsNews
Extending euthanasia to include mental health conditions: will Canada have a change of heart?
Genetic modification of human embryos: a gateway to eugenics?
France: Will the government force through the euthanasia bill?
Bereavement leave in the event of euthanasia: will it be possible to change one’s mind?
Belgium – Proposed liberalisation of abortion laws: 12, 14 or 18 weeks – a scientific question or an ethical choice?
Belgium: care for people with disabilities under scrutiny from the UN
Our Themes
Beginning of Life
End of Life
Rights and Freedoms
Stay informed
Subscribe to our free newsletter!
Support the IEB
To carry out its activities, the IEB relies solely on the enthusiasm and motivation of private donors.
Any donation of €40 or more to the IEB is tax-deductible in Belgium, allowing you to reclaim 30% of your donation.