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Eugenics
Pre-conception screening: Is it necessary to know everything before conceiving a child ?
Carrier screening is a test carried out before conception for couples who are at risk of passing on a genetic disease to their offspring. Ghent University Hospital recently asked the government to reimburse the cost of these genetic tests for all couples who wish to undergo them. In the event of...
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
The ECHR reiterates that no country is obliged to legalize euthanasia or assisted suicide
In its decision of 13 June 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that the Hungarian government's ban on euthanasia and assisted suicide did not breach the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Karsai,...
Abortion
Reform of the Belgian Penal Code: "loss of pregnancy" regarded as an attack on personal integrity
The new Books I and II of the Belgian Penal Code were adopted by the Federal Parliament on 22 February 2024. Article 79, 17° defines offences against personal integrity, which now include "loss of pregnancy". This is...
Fertility and Pregnancy
Miscarriage: new "circumstantial leave" for couples from the start of pregnancy
On 3 May 2024, the Belgian federal government approved a draft Royal Decree granting 2 working days' leave in the event of a miscarriage. This new leave for federal civil servants will fill the gap between the start of...
Fertility and Pregnancy
Pregnancy: The unborn child will not be affected by radiotherapy to the upper body
A study by UZ Leuven published in April 2024 in the scientific journal The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health investigated whether radiotherapy for cancer in pregnant women has an impact on the long-term health of their children. According to the study, radiotherapy to the upper part of the body during...
Fertility and Pregnancy
Resilient women: a new medium gives voice to women who have experienced a "turbulent" pregnancy
"Will I be able to look after him?” This is one of the questions asked by pregnant women who are going through an ordeal with their pregnancy, and whose stories have been collected by the Résilientes media. Although...
Abortion
Abortion: the European Parliament calls for complete decriminalisation
On 11 April 2024, the European Parliament voted (336 in favour, 163 against and 39 abstentions) for a resolution to amend Article 3 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union to include the right to...
Surrogacy
The European Parliament lists "the exploitation of surrogate motherhood" as an act of human trafficking
On 23 April 2024, the European Parliament voted to amend the Directive on human trafficking to include surrogate motherhood among the acts of human trafficking that Member States are obliged to punish. Voted 563 in...
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
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