On the 13th February 2014 the Belgian government voted 86-44 to give a law to ‘empower’ children with terminal illnesses and who are in ‘great pain’ to request to end their life with their parent’s agreement along with a psychologist and psychiatrist signing any deal. Despite the Belgian lawmaker’s remarkable decision, Belgian paediatricians rightly opposed the law change.
Belgium passed their first euthanasia law for adults in 2002 – the ‘slippery slope’ proven. New Zealand must keep this in mind for the general election this year and gauge how every potential MP intends to vote on the issue of euthanasia. If an adult law can be passed then surely an amendment can follow to allow the same rights for a child. This should alarm and appal us.
Note: Posted on SPCS blog to promote discussion.
For full article by social commentator Sue Reid, published in the Dominion Post 18/02/14, see:
http://www.familyfirst.org.nz/2014/02/euthanasia-has-a-proven-slippery-slope-sue-reid/
Note: Sue Reid, a writer for the registered charity Family First New Zealand, lost her son when he was seven days old. Her experience helped convince her New Zealand should not follow Belgium in allowing euthanasia for children.
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