Neonatal euthanasia: A claim for an immoral law

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Neonatalogy
• Legal Medicine

Background:

• Active ending of newborn life is a clandestine reality in several European countries.
• Existing legal frameworks are insufficient to address the complexities of neonatal end-of-life decisions.
• The Dutch Groningen protocol represents a notable but unsatisfactory legal attempt.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue for the necessity of establishing a legal framework for active neonatal euthanasia.
• To critically analyze the Groningen protocol and other clinical/philosophical approaches.
• To propose a law project addressing perinatality-specific issues in neonatal end-of-life care.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of the Groningen protocol, clinical practices, and philosophical stances.
• Integration of clinical opinions into a proposed law project.
• Identification of unique challenges in perinatal end-of-life decision-making.

Main Results:

• The Groningen protocol is deemed unsatisfactory.
• Several clinical practices and philosophical viewpoints regarding neonatal end-of-life decisions are examined.
• Specific perinatal issues requiring legal attention are identified.

Conclusions:

• Legalization of active neonatal euthanasia under exceptional circumstances is essential.
• This legal framework aims to prevent unregulated and potentially harmful practices.
• Addressing unique perinatal challenges is crucial for ethical end-of-life care for newborns.