The Netherlands also supports euthanasia for young children / Article / LSM.lv

The Dutch government has approved a proposal to legalize euthanasia for children under 12 years of age. Strict rules for regulation. Euthanasia will only be allowed in terminally ill and unbearable children. The consent of parents and at least two doctors is required.

Euthanasia is currently legal in the Netherlands for terminally ill children over the age of 12, as well as those suffering from unbearable pain. Mandatory consent of the patient and his parents is required. Euthanasia is also allowed in infants under one year of age. However, not for those terminally ill children between the ages of one and 12. This age group can be given either palliative care or food interruption, accelerating death. Any other act to end the life of a child is a criminal offense. But this week, the government supported a proposal for legal euthanasia in this age group as well.

“If a child dies in the near future and his unbearable pain cannot be alleviated with palliative care, active action to end the child’s life will be possible.”

said Hugo de Jonge, Dutch Minister of Health.

Disagreements on this issue of medical ethics have been sharp. The issue is controversial. This sparked months of debate in the ruling four-party coalition. Conservative Christian parties have also strongly opposed it. The government refers to an expert study which noted the need to change the rules.

“We want doctors and parents to be able to make the best possible choices in these last moments of life. Unfortunately, this is not possible at the moment.”

said Eduard Verhagen, professor at the University Hospital of Groningen.

Legalization of euthanasia in the age group up to 12 years per year, affecting five to ten children. Parental consent will be required, the patient will suffer “unbearable and endless pain”, and the euthanasia procedure must be approved by at least two physicians. The changes are expected to take effect in the coming months. There will be no change in the law as such, but doctors will be exempted from prosecuting the euthanasia of a child in this age group.

The Netherlands legalized euthanasia in 2002, as did neighboring Belgium a few months later.

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