Mercy- Killing Legal in Belgium

In Belgian, 44-year-old Nathan Verhelst died after a failedsex change brought him so much distress that he requested a mercy killing. Verhelst underwent three operations to changesex, but was displeased with the results. Two psychiatrist examined Verhelst tobe sure he was not suffering from temporary depression. Apparently hemet the strict requirements of giving a “voluntary, considered, andrepeated” request to die. Finally, doctorshonored Verhelt’s wishes because they “could clearly say he was in unbearablepsychological distress.” Belgium is only the second country in the entireworld to permit euthanasia. Currently, it is only legal for those over 18, but there is some discussion about extending mercy- killings to minors as well.

See Medical Press Belgian Euthanized Due to Sex Change Distress, Medical Press,  Oct. 1, 2013.