Belgium woman euthanised by pillow

A Belgian doctor and two nurses are being investigated for allegedly ending a woman's life by suffocating her with a pillow.

Alexina Wattiez, 36, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in December 2021 and given a year to live.

She chose to remain at home with her partner and 15-year-old daughter. However, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and by March 2022, a decision was made to end her suffering.

The family doctor was called by two nurses caring for Alexina, but according to Belgian reports, the sedation did not go as planned, and she was euthanised by suffocation with a pillow.

The authorities were alerted two days before her funeral by someone close to one of the nurses. A forensic doctor later confirmed signs of suffocation.

Now, Alexina’s partner and daughter have filed a civil suit, and a murder investigation has been launched in Liège.