The Groningen protocol: another perspective

Journal of Medical Ethics
Alan Jotkowitz, S Glick

Abstract

The Groningen protocol allows for the euthanasia of severely ill newborns with a hopeless prognosis and unbearable suffering. We understand the impetus for such a protocol but have moral and ethical concerns with it. Advocates for euthanasia in adults have relied on the concept of human autonomy, which is lacking in the case of infants. In addition, biases can potentially influence the decision making of both parents and physicians. It is also very difficult to weigh the element of quality of life on the will to live. We feel an important line has been crossed if the international medical community consents to the active euthanasia of severely ill infants and are concerned about the extension of the policy to other at risk groups.

References

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Nov 14, 2000·JAMA : the Journal of the American Medical Association·M RebagliatoUNKNOWN EURONIC Study Group (European Project on Parents' Information and Ethical Decision Making in Neonatal Intensive Care Units)
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Citations

Mar 28, 2009·Child's Nervous System : ChNS : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery·Robin M BowmanDavid G McLone
Dec 9, 2008·The American Journal of Bioethics : AJOB·Alan JotkowitzB Gesundheit
Mar 28, 2009·The American Journal of Bioethics : AJOB·Stephen S Hanson
Jul 15, 2009·Journal of Palliative Medicine·Nathan Gamester, Bart Van den Eynden
Apr 8, 2011·Neonatology·C DagevilleUNKNOWN Working Group on Ethical Issues in Perinatology
Jan 9, 2009·Journal of Perinatal Medicine·Frank A ChervenakBirgit Arabin
Oct 12, 2007·Child's Nervous System : ChNS : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery·T H Rob de Jong
Sep 29, 2009·Early Human Development·Marina CuttiniUNKNOWN EURONIC Study Group
Apr 27, 2010·Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews·Robin M Bowman, David G McLone
Dec 5, 2014·The Linacre Quarterly·Felipe E Vizcarrondo
Feb 22, 2017·Journal of Bioethical Inquiry·Matthew Tedesco
Feb 25, 2009·Nursing Ethics·Franco A Carnevale
Feb 11, 2015·The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care·Stephen S Hanson
Jul 21, 2017·Science and Engineering Ethics·Raghvendra Singh ShekhawatKewal Krishan

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