The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is challenging Belgium's euthanasia laws in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after a doctor administered lethal drugs to a depressed woman who was not terminally ill.
Godelieva De Troyer, a Belgium citizen was euthanised on the grounds of “untreatable depression” by her doctor of 20 years, Dr Wim Distelmans, whom the ADF says had no psychiatric qualifications.
Roger Kiska, senior counsel with ADF, said. “People suffering from depression need compassion and love, not a prescription for death.
“The state has a duty to put the necessary safeguards in place so that suffering patients receive adequate care from doctors and an opportunity to consult with family members.”
ADF has filed a complaint with the ECHR on behalf of Ms De Troyer's son, Dr Tom Mortier, who did not find out what had happened until he received a telephone call the day after her death.
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