In a press release dated February 17, 2014, the American College of Pediatricians state that “Physicians are Healers, not Killers”. The are “appalled by Netherlands’ recent legalization of Neonatal Euthanasia and Belgium’s legalization of euthanasia for terminally ill children of any age.”
They sound an alarm bell – They say that laws allowing euthanasia for children will soon be possible in the United States. We fear that such laws might happen in Quebec and Canada as well.
The President of American College of Pediatricians, Dr. Den Trumbull, explains that “the concept of euthanasia is based on a utilitarian worldview that defines the value of the individual in terms of that individual’s contribution to society.” Young children haven’t contributed enough, says Dr. Trumbull, and people over the age of 50 have “lived long enough.” We believe people with disabilities are often perceived as not contributing enough to society, and therefore at risk.
Speaking about euthanasia for children, they add that “the intentional taking of a human life is never acceptable, regardless of health system mandates.”
Bill 52 in Quebec isn’t applicable to children. Yet, there already are strong pressures to extend access to euthanasia to minors, once legalized for adults. We oppose euthanasia, whether for adults or children. Euthanasia, or “medical aid in dying” isn’t necessary. It is dangerous for vulnerable people, their loved ones, physicians, and society.
