[Active life termination in children aged 1-12 years]

Marije A Brouwer1, Els L M Maeckelberghe1, A A E Verhagen1,2

  • 1UMCG, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Groningen.

Insights

Active termination of life for children aged 1-12 facing unbearable suffering will be regulated in 2024. This article explores physician responses to such requests when other relief options are insufficient.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Ethics
  • Medical Law
  • End-of-Life Care

Context:

  • Upcoming regulation of active termination of life for children aged 1-12 years in 2024.
  • Focus on cases of unbearable suffering where other palliative options are exhausted.

Purpose:

  • To discuss the ethical and practical considerations of active termination of life in pediatric patients.
  • To outline physician responses to requests for active termination of life in children.

Summary:

  • Examines the legal and ethical framework for active termination of life in children (1-12 years) facing extreme suffering.
  • Details how requests for pediatric active termination of life may arise and guides physician responses.
  • Highlights the importance of comprehensive care and ethical decision-making in pediatric end-of-life scenarios.

Impact:

  • Provides guidance for healthcare professionals navigating complex end-of-life decisions in pediatric care.
  • Contributes to the discourse on legal and ethical standards for pediatric termination of life.
  • Informs policy development and clinical practice regarding pediatric palliative and end-of-life care.