Dutch government intends to endorse guidelines on child euthanasia

[Judi Lynn]

Sept. 29, 2005
Dutch government intends to endorse guidelines on child euthanasia

TOBY STERLING
The Associated Press

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - The Dutch government intends to expand its current euthanasia policy, setting guidelines for when doctors may end the lives of terminally ill newborns with the parents' consent.
A letter outlining the new directives will be submitted to parliament for discussion by mid-October, but the new policy will not require a vote or change of law, Dutch Health Ministry spokeswoman Annette Dijkstra told The Associated Press today.

The Netherlands became the first nation to legalize euthanasia for adults under some conditions in 2001, and the latest move is likely to spark an outcry from the Vatican, right-to-life proponents and advocacy groups for the handicapped.

Euthanasia is banned in most countries, although Belgium legalized it under strict conditions in 2002. Switzerland allows passive assistance to terminally ill people who have expressed a wish to die.
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http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/breaking/092905deathinholand.php

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Euthanasia in Industrial Countries-at-a-Glance
Skip directly to the full story.
The Associated Press

Published: Sep 29, 2005

The Dutch government is expanding its euthanasia policy, setting guidelines for when doctors may end the lives of terminally ill newborns. Following are the positions of some industrialized countries on euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide:

Netherlands - Legalized euthanasia in 2001, but the practice was common for at least a decade before. Under the law, patients must be terminally ill, in unbearable pain and two doctors must agree there is no prospect for recovery. Vetting commissions test whether these conditions are met.

Belgium - Legalized under similar conditions as the Netherlands in 2002.

United States - Oregon voters approved the first physician-assisted suicide law in the United States in 1994. The law took effect after an appeals court lifted a block in 1997, but it has undergone constant legal challenges since. In February, the Supreme Court agreed to hear challenges from the Bush Administration on Wednesday.
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http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBADZPD7EE.html

[JuniperLea]

1. Tied to abortion issue, imo

If a woman is advised of a severe issue with her unborn child, she should have the right to have mercy on that child.