Belgian Parliament pushes through euthanasia for children

[NewYorkExpress]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26181615

Now, I'm fine with Euthanasia by adults, who generally know what they are doing... But Children don't have fully developed minds and could be acting on whims...  I like that Belgium is at least trying to address that problem... but I don't think Euthanasia for children is appropriate...

[Cassius]

So the 'fallacy' of the slippery slope actually seems to be in effect here.

[Cory]

Keep in mind that this would require parental consent, and consent from doctors and psychiatrists.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Keep in mind that this would require parental consent, and consent from doctors and psychiatrists.

And the child?

I don't think assisted suicide should be legal for anyone under the age of 18. I just can't see a seven year old being able to make a rational decision on the matter.

[Franknburger]

Actually heard an interesting report on the radio here today: Many Belgian children doctors support the proposal, because the option of assisted death when things really get unbearable gives children the courage to try to hold out a bit longer. Never thought of it that way before, but it makes some sort of sense.
The Netherlands allow for assisted death of juveniles over 12 years under a similar set of conditions as is now being proposed in Belgium. Since that legislation went into force in 2002, a total of 5 (in words: five) cases of assisted death have been reported.   

[DC Al Fine]

Gee, if only we had some warning that this would happen when we debated adult euthanasia.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to write some "I told you so" e-mails.

[freefair]

So the 'fallacy' of the slippery slope actually seems to be in effect here.

In this case, empirical ism beats rationalism- just because it shouldn't logically happen doesn't mean it won't.

[danny]

Freedom law.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Doctors do this every... single... day. I do have concerns about the capacity of children to make this decision, but equally, I support voluntary euthanasia for adults and in certain circumstances support it being used for terminally ill children.

[RogueBeaver]

Gee, if only we had some warning that this would happen when we debated adult euthanasia.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to write some "I told you so" e-mails.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Rather excessively paternalistic, I think.

[Cory]

And the child?

I don't think assisted suicide should be legal for anyone under the age of 18. I just can't see a seven year old being able to make a rational decision on the matter.

Obviously the child would have to be the one who initially requested it. It goes without saying.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

And the child?

I don't think assisted suicide should be legal for anyone under the age of 18. I just can't see a seven year old being able to make a rational decision on the matter.

Obviously the child would have to be the one who initially requested it. It goes without saying.

Can a child make such a decision though?

Anyway, as Franknburger indicated, this has happened only five times since it was introduced. The circumstances for those five incidents were most likely severe enough to negate my objections. I don't see this becoming a major problem, but I really think it should be evaluated a bit more.

[Antonio the Sixth]

If it requires the full consent of both the parents and the child itself, then freedom law.