Belgium Expected To Legalize Child Euthanasia

Today, it is being reported that Belgium is expected to soon get
rid of age restrictions on euthanasia. Changes to euthanasia
legislation passed the
Belgian Senate last December. According to the
Associated Press, the lower house, the Chamber of
Representatives, is expected to approve of the changes tomorrow
after debate today.

More from the AP:

The legislation appears to have wide support in the largely
liberal country. But it has also aroused intense opposition –
including from paediatricians – and people have staged noisy street
protests, fearing that vulnerable children will be talked into
making an irreversible choice.

Backers such as Dr Gerland van Berlaer, a prominent Brussels
paediatrician, believe euthanasia is the merciful thing to do. The
law will be specific enough that it will apply only to the handful
of teenage boys and girls who are in advanced stages of cancer or
other terminal illnesses and suffering unbearable pain, he
said.

Under current law, they must let nature take its course or wait
until they turn 18 and can request euthanasia.

King Philippe must approve of any changes to the legislation
before they can go into effect. According to the AP, he has not
taken a public position on the issue.

I wrote about Belgian lawmakers considering allowing child
euthanasia
last November.