The Belgian government reported its first case of euthanasia for a terminally-ill minor since age limits were removed two years ago, Reuters reported. Belgium legalised mercy killings in 2002 and is the only country in the world to allow the practice on minors. In Netherlands, a child has to 12 years old or more to be considered for euthanasia.
Chairperson of Belgium's Federal Control and Evaluation Committee on Euthanasia, Wim Distelmans, confirmed the decision on the case that was reportedly brought to the panel's notice last week. No other details about the minor were disclosed. Distelmans said, "Fortunately there are very few children who are considered [for euthanasia] but that does not mean we should refuse them the right to a dignified death."
The law in Belgium, however, specifies that the terminally-ill minor has to be conscious and in a position to make a rational decision. Parental consent and approvals from psychologists or psychiatrists are also required for the process in the country. Critics of the decision, including church leaders and some paediatricians, raised doubts over a child's capacity to make such difficult choices, BBC reported.
Official records indicate that the number of patients being granted euthanasia in Belgium rose almost eight times between 2003 and 2013, with a total number of 8,752 cases.
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