Child euthanasia: should we just not talk about it?

Journal of Medical Ethics
Luc Bovens

Abstract

Belgium has recently extended its euthanasia legislation to minors, making it the first legislation in the world that does not specify any age limit. I consider two strands in the opposition to this legislation. First, I identify five arguments in the public debate to the effect that euthanasia for minors is somehow worse than euthanasia for adults--viz, arguments from weightiness, capability of discernment, pressure, sensitivity and sufficient palliative care--and show that these arguments are wanting. Second, there is another position in the public debate that wishes to keep the current age restriction on the books and have ethics boards exercise discretion in euthanasia decisions for minors. I interpret this position on the background of Velleman's 'Against the Right to Die' and show that, although costs remain substantial, it actually can provide some qualified support against extending euthanasia legislation to minors.

References

Dec 1, 1992·The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy·J D Velleman
Apr 23, 2013·The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy·Evan A Wilhelms, Valerie F Reyna
Feb 20, 2014·BMJ : British Medical Journal·Rory Watson

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Citations

Oct 18, 2015·Journal of Medical Ethics·Christopher Kaczor
Feb 1, 2017·Journal of Medical Ethics·Eduardo Rivera-López
Apr 7, 2017·Journal of Medical Ethics·Geoff Keeling
Jun 3, 2017·European Journal of Pediatrics·Giulia Cuman, Chris Gastmans

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