A child’s choice to die

Belgium debates legalising euthanasia for children under 18.

A ‘euthanasia kit’ available in the 250 Belgian chemist shops for the general practitioners who practise euthanasia at patients’ homes. (EPA / ETIENNE ANSOTTE)

Terminally ill children in Belgium may soon choose to end their lives instead of suffering. The country adopted euthanasia in 2002, but the parliament will debate increasing the legislation to include those under the age of 18, with parental consent. It is expected to pass and most in the country support euthanasia. On the next Stream what are the implications of expanding the current laws? Is it compassionate or does it encourage a “culture of death?”

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Paul Saba @CoalitionMD

Co-Chair, Coalition of Physicians for Social Justice

coalitionmd.org

Tom Curran

European coordinator, Exit International

exitinternational.net

Roel Nollet @roelnollet

Documentarian

Tom Mortier @TomHKMortier

Lecturer, Leuven University College

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.