Projet d'extension de la loi sur l'euthanasie en Belgique concernant les patients déments. Réflexions d'un gériatre spécialisé dans la prise en charge des pathologies neurodégénératives

Twelve years after the legalization of the euthanasia legislation, different projects to extend the law are currently proposed, one in particular concerns an extension of the law concerning patients with dementia. It would appear important to conduct deep reflection to avoid any drift and any trivialization of euthanasia. The mass media might well play a role of misinformation. This paper presents the reflections of a Belgian geriatrician, with a practice in the management of patients with Alzheimer's or related neurodegenerative diseases, faced with the ethical questions raised by this proposition of law for dementia patients. There is no question of discussing the previous law on euthanasia in Belgium but to avoid the extensions of the law that could be dangerous for elderly and/or dementia patients. To maintain our status of “society”, the latter must protect its most vulnerable patients. It is crucial to sensitize politicians and health care professionals to the risks of abuse if such a bill is applied.