Deaf twins euthanized in Belgium choose to die rather than go blind. The brothers were losing their eyesight. Rather than live both deaf and blind, they opted for euthanasia, which is different from physician aid in dying or doctor-assisted suicide. According to a Jan. 15, 2013 report by The Huffington Post, the deaths of Marc and Eddy Verbessem marked the first time identical twins were simultaneously euthanized.
Euthanasia is illegal in the United States. With euthanasia, the lethal dose of medication is administered by a doctor. Physician-assisted suicide is also illegal in the United States with the exception of Washington, Montana and Oregon. In those three states, the patient, not the doctor, must administer the fatal dose of medication.
The deaf twins euthanized in Belgium were initially denied their request to die with dignity. The perception was that they wanted to die only because they didn't want to live without both hearing and eyesight. However, their brother said the 46-year-old twins "trudged from one disease to another. They were really worn out." However, according to The Telegraph, the men did not suffer from pain or terminal illness.
The brothers reportedly enjoyed a cup of coffee together before meeting their maker. The deaf twins were euthanized, cremated and buried the same way they lived their lives, together.
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