First do no harm: intentionally shortening lives of patients without their explicit request in Belgium.

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. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.