I have been following this item since the middle of last week.
A child in Belgium has been administered euthanasia due to protracted terminal illness. The age and identity of this child remain unknown.
This is the first case of a child being euthanized since the laws were changed to permit assisted suicide to children during the course of Belgian legal affairs on the matter.
Initially Belgium legalized euthanasia during proceedings in 2002 with minors having been originally included then removed from the final legislation due to opposition by political elements in the country.
While I am certainly apalled that any child would be so ill as to request mercy killing ...
I feel that a child should be afforded the same consideration as an adult when they meet the specified criteria:
constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated
Our capacity for compassion toward others should certainly include children who are suffering.
This child has been afforded mercy which is unavailable to me where I live because of those statutes we have on the books.