Two deaf twin brothers ended their lives under Belgium’s euthanasia laws even though neither was terminally ill or suffering from unbearable pain.
Blind
Marc and Eddy Verbessem (45), who were both born deaf, requested euthanasia after finding out that they would soon turn blind due to a genetically caused form of glaucoma.
They worked as cobblers, lived together in a flat and communicated with one another and family members using special sign language.
Under Belgian laws, patients can be killed by a lethal injection if a doctor considers that they are suffering from unbearable pain.
But neither of the twins were suffering from a terminal condition or feeling unbearable physical pain.
Attempt to stop
Their brother, Dirk Verbessem (46), said that he had tried to stop them but without success.
Four weeks ago, the twins died by lethal injection after visiting Dirk and their parents Mary and Remy, for the last time.
“I tried to talk them out of it even at the last moment,” said their brother. “Together with my parents, I said goodbye. Marc and Eddy waved again at us. 'Up in the sky,' they said. 'Up in the sky,' we replied. And then it was over.”
Proposals
The Belgian government has announced proposals to extend the country’s euthanasia laws to children and those suffering from Alzheimer’s. The new legislation will be "extended to minors if they are capable of discernment or affected by an incurable illness or suffering that we cannot alleviate".
Comment
Andrea Williams, Director of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “This is an incredibly tragic story. It is frightening how euthanasia laws can so quickly lead to situations like this, where people can be euthanised even before they reach a point of unbearable suffering.
“Even with terminal illness, diagnosis can often be wrong and individuals can live way beyond their life expectancy.
“It’s crucial that we resist any pressure to change the law in Britain. We need to care for those who are suffering, not take their lives through euthanasia”.
Source: