Belgian Euthanasia Numbers Increase, Most Go Unreported

New figures out of Belgium show the number of euthanasia cases is on the rise. Last year, 700 official cases of euthanasia were reported -- a 40 percent increase from 2008, which saw 500 people killed by physicians with their consent or approval. Despite the apparent certainty of the numbers, officials admit they are only estimates and likely represent merely one-fourth of the total cases. Euthanasia is guided by very strict limits and conditions even though Belgium is one of the rare nations in the world to allow it. Just 25 percent of doctors are said to file an official report with the government when a patient is killed. LifeNews