Belgium became, on Thursday 13 February, the first country in the world to legalise euthanasia for all categories of age, including children. The law was approved by the lower chamber of the federal parliament by a majority of 86 in favour to 44 against. It was the last legal step before the text being submitted to the King, who is legally bound to sign it.

The only other countries to have legalized euthanasia (for adults) are two of Belgium's neighbors, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. I...