title: First do no harm: intentionally shortening lives of patients without their explicit request in Belgium.
abstract: The aim of this article is to provide a critical review of one of the most worrying aspects of the euthanasia policy and practice in Belgium--the deliberate shortening of lives of some patients without their explicit voluntary request. Some suggestions designed to improve the situation and prevent abuse are offered.
authors.forename: Raphael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cohen-Almagor
mesh_terms: D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D003657:Decision Making; D033101:Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006625:Hippocratic Oath; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000941:ethics*; D012941:Social Responsibility; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics*
keywords: Autonomy; Bills, Laws and Cases; Care of the Dying Patient; End-of-life; Euthanasia