in 1957 in britain, judge devlin ruled in the trial of dr john bodkin adams that causing death through the administration of lethal drugs to a patient, if the intention is solely to alleviate pain, is not considered murder even if death is a potential or even likely outcome. in 1993, the netherlands decriminalized doctor-assisted suicide, and in 2002, restrictions were loosened. during that year, physician-assisted suicide was approved in belgium. belgium's at the time most famous author hugo claus, suffering from alzheimer's disease, was among those that asked for euthanasia. he died in march 2008, assisted by an antwerp doctor.