A Growing Movement to Allow Assisted Suicide for Children Sparks Concerns Over Vulnerability and Suffering.
Canada's Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying recently recommended extending the right to some youth, declaring that parents should be "consulted" but that the "will of a minor" with decision-making capacity "ultimately takes priority." This proposal has sparked fears among advocates for children's rights, who argue that allowing minors to choose death would have devastating consequences.
Proponents of euthanasia argue that it is a matter of personal autonomy and choice. However, critics point out that this approach disregards the significant difference between an adult and a child. "As we continue to expand the euthanasia regime, all the safeguards and windows have gone out the window," said Mike Schouten, Markus's father. "And it becomes open season for anyone to choose death, including children."
In many countries, including Australia, Belgium, Colombia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and 11 U.S. states, euthanasia is already legal for adults. However, some jurisdictions are now considering extending assisted suicide to minors. The National Youth Rights Association uses the "mature minors" doctrine to argue that children should have the right to choose death.
The movement is also big business, with organizations like Dying with Dignity Canada reporting $3 billion in expenses in 2024. These groups often use euphemisms like "assisted dying," "medical assistance in dying," and "dying with dignity" to disguise their true intentions.
Critics warn that this industry could have devastating consequences for vulnerable individuals, particularly children. A recent study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry found that among Dutch euthanasia applicants, 73% were young women with psychiatric diagnoses. The researchers acknowledged there is an "urgent need" to study "persistent death wishes" in this "high-risk group."
The Canadian province of British Columbia has seen a significant increase in assisted suicides, with about one in every 20 deaths nationwide attributed to the practice. The movement's push for greater autonomy for minors raises concerns that it could lead to unnecessary deaths and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
In conclusion, the growing movement to allow assisted suicide for children sparks concerns over vulnerability and suffering. While proponents argue that it is a matter of personal autonomy, critics warn that this approach disregards significant differences between adults and children. As the debate continues, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly children.
Canada's Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying recently recommended extending the right to some youth, declaring that parents should be "consulted" but that the "will of a minor" with decision-making capacity "ultimately takes priority." This proposal has sparked fears among advocates for children's rights, who argue that allowing minors to choose death would have devastating consequences.
Proponents of euthanasia argue that it is a matter of personal autonomy and choice. However, critics point out that this approach disregards the significant difference between an adult and a child. "As we continue to expand the euthanasia regime, all the safeguards and windows have gone out the window," said Mike Schouten, Markus's father. "And it becomes open season for anyone to choose death, including children."
In many countries, including Australia, Belgium, Colombia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and 11 U.S. states, euthanasia is already legal for adults. However, some jurisdictions are now considering extending assisted suicide to minors. The National Youth Rights Association uses the "mature minors" doctrine to argue that children should have the right to choose death.
The movement is also big business, with organizations like Dying with Dignity Canada reporting $3 billion in expenses in 2024. These groups often use euphemisms like "assisted dying," "medical assistance in dying," and "dying with dignity" to disguise their true intentions.
Critics warn that this industry could have devastating consequences for vulnerable individuals, particularly children. A recent study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry found that among Dutch euthanasia applicants, 73% were young women with psychiatric diagnoses. The researchers acknowledged there is an "urgent need" to study "persistent death wishes" in this "high-risk group."
The Canadian province of British Columbia has seen a significant increase in assisted suicides, with about one in every 20 deaths nationwide attributed to the practice. The movement's push for greater autonomy for minors raises concerns that it could lead to unnecessary deaths and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
In conclusion, the growing movement to allow assisted suicide for children sparks concerns over vulnerability and suffering. While proponents argue that it is a matter of personal autonomy, critics warn that this approach disregards significant differences between adults and children. As the debate continues, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly children.
Like, come on, don't even think about it! They're like, minors, you know? So not fully grown up. What if they just have a bad day or something and decide to end their life? It's not that easy, fam! 
Like, gross!). And what's with the "mature minors" doctrine? Who decides who's mature enough to make decisions about ending their life? It just doesn't sound right. 
We need to be careful here and make sure we're not messing up our kids' lives. 
. We need to be thinking about their emotional well-being and potential long-term consequences of such a decision, not just letting them have control over it. What about the parents' feelings too? Don't we deserve some say in what happens to our kids? 
Now, this news about allowing assisted suicide for kids is making me really uneasy. What's next? Letting our pets choose if they want to live or die too? 
It just doesn't sit right with me. And what about the "mature minors" doctrine? I'm not sure that's a valid argument. Kids are still kids, and they need guidance and protection from people who care about them. 
We can't just let them make life-or-death decisions on their own. That's just too much for me to handle. 
and whats with all these big orgs raking in cash from euthanasia? that just seems super sketchy to me