Belgian Couple, Married 71 Years, Die Hand in Hand

Martha (90) and Emile (93), a Belgian couple from Eeklo in East Flanders who were married for nearly 71 years, died hand in hand through euthanasia in the presence of their children. Their daughter Marleen Van Steenberge (61) has shared the touching story of their final week, offering a deeply personal glimpse into a decision that highlights Belgium’s progressive end-of-life legislation.

A Love Story Spanning Seven Decades

Martha and Emile were married on November 26, 1955 — a union that lasted nearly 71 years. Together they raised two children: daughter Marleen and son Hendrik, who tragically died in a traffic accident in 1984 at the age of 23. The couple lived in Eeklo, a town in the province of East Flanders, where they built a life centered on family and simple pleasures.

As their health declined in old age, Martha and Emile made the decision to end their lives together through euthanasia, a choice permitted under Belgian law since 2002. According to HLN, the couple died hand in hand, surrounded by their loved ones.

In an interview with HLN, Marleen described what her parents did together in their final week. “What did mom and dad do together in their last week? Drink coffee. With a cookie,” she said, emphasizing the simple, cherished moments that defined their final days together.

Marleen was present at the euthanasia and described the peaceful scene: “Dad talked about his garden, mom thanked the doctor. And then it was over.” She expressed that “gratitude predominates” because her parents’ last wishes were respected and they no longer had to live in pain.

Before their death, Martha and Emile left their loved ones with comforting words: “We’ve had a good life, you shouldn’t cry. And if you’re sad, just start working and it will go away.”

Belgium’s Euthanasia Framework

Belgium legalized euthanasia in 2002, becoming the second country in the world after the Netherlands to do so. According to the Belgian Federal Public Service for Health, euthanasia is defined as the intentional ending of a person’s life at their own request by a physician, carried out under strict legal conditions.

The law requires that the patient be in a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated. The request must be voluntary, well-considered, and repeated, and a second independent physician must be consulted.

For couples seeking euthanasia together — known as duo euthanasia — each partner must independently meet all legal conditions. One doctor may euthanize both patients, but both must be assessed by two independent SCEN (Life End Information Forum) doctors.

Rising Numbers and Growing Acceptance

Euthanasia has become increasingly common in Belgium. In 2025, 4,486 euthanasia cases were reported — a 12.4% increase from 2024 — accounting for approximately 4% of all deaths in the country. The number of duo euthanasia cases has also been rising in recent years.

The case of Martha and Emile follows a pattern of growing public discussion around duo euthanasia. In 2024, former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt (93) and his wife Eugenie (93) also chose euthanasia together, sparking international conversation about end-of-life choices for elderly couples.

A Story That Resonates

The story of Martha and Emile has struck a deep chord with the Belgian public, ranking as one of the most-read articles on HLN on May 15, 2026. It touches on universal themes: a 71-year love story, dignity in death, the presence of family, and the beauty of simple pleasures in one’s final days.

Their daughter Marleen captured the sentiment best: “Gratitude predominates. Because my parents’ last wishes were respected and they no longer had to live in pain.”

What’s Next

As Europe’s population ages, end-of-life decisions are becoming increasingly relevant policy issues. The case of Martha and Emile adds to a growing conversation about how societies can balance legal frameworks for euthanasia with compassion for those facing unbearable suffering. For now, their story stands as a testament to a life lived fully and a death faced together, on their own terms.