Brussels – Around 400 people took to the streets of Brussels on Sunday afternoon for the annual ‘March for Life,’ an initiative organised by CLARA Life advocating for the protection of human dignity from conception to natural death. The demonstration, which opposes abortion and euthanasia, was confirmed by the Brussels police.
The 2025 edition of the march carried a somber message, marking 35 years since Belgium decriminalised abortion. According to Wouter Suenens, chairman of CLARA Life, more than half a million unborn children have been lost to abortion since the legislation came into effect.
“How many women faced difficult pregnancies alone during that time? How many were pushed towards abortion due to lack of support, resources, or willingness to listen?” Suenens questioned in his address to the demonstrators.
“Instead of learning from this reality, the government now intends to go even further: extending the legal abortion term to 18 weeks, legalising surrogacy, and expanding euthanasia laws.”
Opposition to Proposed Legal Reforms
Belgium currently allows abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, but the government is considering proposals to extend the legal period to 18 weeks. CLARA Life has voiced strong opposition to this change, arguing that it would normalise abortion rather than provide women with meaningful alternatives.
“Abortion is not a neutral medical procedure,” the organisation stated. “It often signifies double distress: the child loses its life, and the mother, too often, receives no real support.”
“Today, one in three women still faces professional pressure during her pregnancy. Instead of extending the terms and normalising abortion, we must support women with real help, genuine choices, and complete information.”
Surrogacy is another area of concern for the organisation. While some see it as a means to help couples struggling with infertility, CLARA Life warns of ethical dilemmas and potential exploitation. “Legalising surrogacy risks turning children into commodities,” they claim.
Concerns Over Euthanasia Trends
In addition to abortion, the march also highlighted concerns regarding Belgium’s euthanasia laws. Since legalising the practice in 2002, Belgium has become one of the most permissive countries in the world regarding assisted dying.
CLARA Life reported that over 3,400 euthanasia cases were registered in 2023 alone, a number that has steadily risen in recent years.
“Most of those involved do not seek death, but relief from their pain. Yet, euthanasia is increasingly being facilitated, even for people with dementia or minors,” CLARA Life stated. “We reject a society where suffering is ‘relieved’ by ending life. True humanity means closeness, pain management, and care.”
Belgium’s euthanasia laws have been controversial, particularly in cases involving minors and individuals with psychiatric conditions.
Proponents argue that legal assisted dying provides a humane option for those enduring unbearable suffering, while opponents insist that expanding eligibility undermines the value of life and the importance of palliative care.
A Divisive Debate in Belgian Society
The demonstration reflects ongoing debates within Belgium regarding life and death issues. While organisations like CLARA Life seek stricter protections for the unborn and vulnerable, supporters of abortion rights and euthanasia argue for expanded personal freedoms and access to medical care.
As Belgium considers revising its abortion and euthanasia laws, the voices of both sides continue to shape the national conversation, ensuring that these deeply sensitive topics remain at the forefront of public debate.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
