Doctor Euthanizes Belgian Woman without First Treating Depression

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: May 01, 2014

Doctor Euthanizes Belgian Woman without First Treating Depression

Belgian doctor Wim Distelmans is under fire for allegedly euthanizing a woman without first treating her depression. The woman’s daughter, known only as Margot, filed a complaint with the doctor.

“How could someone who has not even received treatment for depression, get euthanasia?” Margot’s statement read in part.

Distelmans responded saying “It’s very frustrating for me, but I cannot respond to these kind of stories in the press. I cannot respond, because of privacy laws and it would violate my professional duties.”

Life News reports that the Belgium Euthanasia Control and Evaluation Commission but Distelmans serves as chair of the commission.

This incident was preceded by another complaint filed by Professor Tom Mortier upon the passing of his mother, Godelieva De Troyer. Mortier reported that Distelmans went ahead with De Troyer’s procedure, despite the fact that she was under a treatment plan for her “emotional distress.”

Mortier also noted that “Distelmans is an oncologist, not a psychiatrist and was not even De Troyer’s doctor beforehand.”

 

Publication date: May 1, 2014



Doctor Euthanizes Belgian Woman without First Treating Depression