Should the lives of young children be taken from them?

Recently, a bill has been introduced in the Belgium Parliament. This bill involves euthanasia being extended to children. If this bill is enacted, it would make Belgium the first country to lift age restrictions for euthanasia.

This makes people add comments about others and doctors who think it is immoral to do this. The demand for this has increased drastically since 2002 when it was allowed for adults.

Many believe that allowing euthanasia for children is immoral and unnecessary. When a child is suffering from a terminal illness, they are indeed in excruciating pain, but there is always medication to help reduce that. “We are not playing God,” said Van Berlaer, a belief strongly held by many.

In addition to that, there have been many incidents where doctors did not diagnose the illness correctly or misread scans. If euthanasia were permitted for all age groups, then children might want euthanasia at the first sign of suffering. However, if the child is terminally ill, and no cure is available or can be foreseen, euthanasia should be allowed, but only after several meetings with the family and hospital board, not solely at the request of a child who still lacks the maturity to make such a grave decision.

Moreover, the passing of this bill, which has not yet been turned into law, has its own set of problems, including criticism from religious and cultural groups. There are three main arguments that have arisen, stopping the bill from becoming law:

1. Allowing euthanasia for children could lead to some Third Reich-like eugenics program.

2. Children do not have the ability or capacity to make such a serious decision due to their lack of maturity.

3. The legislation of euthanasia for children could lead to parents and doctors pressuring children into opting for it for various reasons.

If this bill is passed, it could lead to a eugenics program similar to what Hitler did. We would only be choosing those who are "fit" to live in society. Back in the early forties, Hitler sent those people he deemed unfit to live to concentration camps. We are human, and we should not play with Godlike powers. We should not be the ones initiating such a program to end the lives of so many innocent children.

Secondly, many people believe that a child cannot bear the pressure of deciding to opt for euthanasia. Their still-immature mind could easily succumb to the pressure of this decision, further increasing the adverse effects of their existing illness. “Their natural end might be miserable, very painful, or horrifying,” said Van Berlaer, reinforcing the idea that we have been created by nature and should end because of it.

Furthermore, the choice to end one's life should be personal and not regulated by law. This statement alone is enough for many to dismiss the bill.

Thirdly, the most concerning issue is the unwanted pressure that children would face. This wouldn't only come from the law but also from those abiding by it. If euthanasia is legalized for children, doctors might begin suggesting it to every child with a serious illness. So, what happens to the child who still has the will to live? In all likelihood, they would feel pressured to consent. Feike van den Oever said, “A child starts thinking in a way that is not proper for their age.” If supporters of euthanasia call it the "ultimate gesture of humanity," we would be acting like gods, deciding who gets to live. Doesn’t this contradict basic human rights as stated by The United Nations?

This is not just a problem for euthanasia in children but euthanasia in general. The emotional and financial burden caused by terminal illnesses can make patients feel pressured to consent if suggested by a doctor.

Finally, we must remember that we are talking about people’s lives when we discuss euthanasia. In Belgium, euthanasia is permitted for adults suffering from incurable diseases causing unbearable pain. While some believe euthanasia should be allowed, they argue it should only be permitted in cases where recovery is hopeless, despite the advancements in medicine.