[Why regulation of active life termination in children remains problematic]

Theo A Boer1,2

  • 1Protestantse Theologische Universiteit, Groningen.

Insights

This commentary argues against regulating active life termination for children, citing the slippery slope to extending it to incompetent adults. Unregulated, rare cases of infant life termination by doctors should remain outside legal frameworks.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Ethics
  • Pediatric Palliative Care
  • End-of-Life Decision-Making

Background:

  • A case involving a nine-year-old child with severe epilepsy, comorbidities, and developmental impairments led to the decision to withdraw nutrition and hydration.
  • The authors of the case study advocate for a regulated procedure for active life termination based on this situation and parental experiences.

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