GlitchGazelle
Well-known member
Markus Schouten's Last Wish: A Global Assisted Suicide Movement Targets Children
In the spring of 2022, Canadian teenager Markus Schouten received news that would change his life forever. Diagnosed with cancer, he was given just months to live. But instead of focusing on finding a cure, Markus's oncologist broke the news to him and his family, leaving them in tears. Weeks later, Markus dictated a letter to the Canadian Parliament's Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, opposing lobbying efforts to expand the law to children under 18.
Markus's wish was that no child should be forced to choose between life and death. His letter, signed by his parents, read: "Life is worth living, even when we are dying." Markus died a month later, surrounded by his family and friends, telling them, "See you in paradise."
But Markus's story is not an isolated incident. A global assisted suicide movement is targeting children, with organizations like Dying with Dignity Canada and the British Columbia Humanist Association pushing for laws that would allow minors to access euthanasia. The movement has grown into a multimillion-dollar industry, with advocates arguing that it's essential to alleviate suffering without eliminating the sufferer.
However, critics say that this approach is misguided. They argue that children are vulnerable individuals who need protection and care, not euthanasia. "Once upon a time," says British educator Katharine Birbalsingh, "adults used to say, 'No, the child is not capable of leading, because he is a child.' In the West, we have forgotten that we're meant to be in charge as adults."
The movement has gained momentum, with 96 organizations worldwide supporting assisted suicide for children. The concept of "mature minors" has been used to argue that children should have the right to choose death. But critics say that this is a slippery slope, and that laws are being pushed forward without adequate safeguards.
In Canada, the law is expected to expand to patients with severe psychiatric disorders as early as 2027. In Australia, euthanasia laws allow doctors to end lives of children as young as one, including newborns "suffering unbearably with no prospects of improvement."
The industry has faced criticism and even alleged criminal revelations. In the Netherlands, six youth have requested euthanasia between 2014 and 2024, with one young person making the request last year.
Markus's parents, Mike and Jennifer Schouten, remain committed to fulfilling their son's wish. They work alongside a global network of like-minded advocates, including disability rights groups, who argue that assisted suicide targets vulnerable people who would benefit from assisted living services.
As the debate rages on, lawmakers are being warned about the risks of extending assisted suicide laws to children. British Labour Party MP Meg Hillier said, "In a number of countries, assisted dying laws have been expanded to allow children and young people to end their lives. We need to be alert to that very real risk."
The statistics are stark. In 2023, about 15,000 Canadians died through "MAID," a 16% increase from 2022. The movement is big business, with Dying with Dignity Canada reporting $3 billion in expenses in 2024.
As the assisted suicide industry continues to grow, it's essential to remember Markus Schouten's last wish: that no child should be forced to choose between life and death.
In the spring of 2022, Canadian teenager Markus Schouten received news that would change his life forever. Diagnosed with cancer, he was given just months to live. But instead of focusing on finding a cure, Markus's oncologist broke the news to him and his family, leaving them in tears. Weeks later, Markus dictated a letter to the Canadian Parliament's Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, opposing lobbying efforts to expand the law to children under 18.
Markus's wish was that no child should be forced to choose between life and death. His letter, signed by his parents, read: "Life is worth living, even when we are dying." Markus died a month later, surrounded by his family and friends, telling them, "See you in paradise."
But Markus's story is not an isolated incident. A global assisted suicide movement is targeting children, with organizations like Dying with Dignity Canada and the British Columbia Humanist Association pushing for laws that would allow minors to access euthanasia. The movement has grown into a multimillion-dollar industry, with advocates arguing that it's essential to alleviate suffering without eliminating the sufferer.
However, critics say that this approach is misguided. They argue that children are vulnerable individuals who need protection and care, not euthanasia. "Once upon a time," says British educator Katharine Birbalsingh, "adults used to say, 'No, the child is not capable of leading, because he is a child.' In the West, we have forgotten that we're meant to be in charge as adults."
The movement has gained momentum, with 96 organizations worldwide supporting assisted suicide for children. The concept of "mature minors" has been used to argue that children should have the right to choose death. But critics say that this is a slippery slope, and that laws are being pushed forward without adequate safeguards.
In Canada, the law is expected to expand to patients with severe psychiatric disorders as early as 2027. In Australia, euthanasia laws allow doctors to end lives of children as young as one, including newborns "suffering unbearably with no prospects of improvement."
The industry has faced criticism and even alleged criminal revelations. In the Netherlands, six youth have requested euthanasia between 2014 and 2024, with one young person making the request last year.
Markus's parents, Mike and Jennifer Schouten, remain committed to fulfilling their son's wish. They work alongside a global network of like-minded advocates, including disability rights groups, who argue that assisted suicide targets vulnerable people who would benefit from assisted living services.
As the debate rages on, lawmakers are being warned about the risks of extending assisted suicide laws to children. British Labour Party MP Meg Hillier said, "In a number of countries, assisted dying laws have been expanded to allow children and young people to end their lives. We need to be alert to that very real risk."
The statistics are stark. In 2023, about 15,000 Canadians died through "MAID," a 16% increase from 2022. The movement is big business, with Dying with Dignity Canada reporting $3 billion in expenses in 2024.
As the assisted suicide industry continues to grow, it's essential to remember Markus Schouten's last wish: that no child should be forced to choose between life and death.
. I mean, can you even imagine having to make a decision like that when you're just a kid? 96 organizations supporting assisted suicide for kids is insane 
. Like, what even is wrong with people who think kids can just opt out of life like it's some kinda game? It's not right. Kids are not fully grown adults who can make rational decisions about their own lives. They're still developing, still learning. We gotta protect them, not let 'em end up on some slippery slope where they can just ask to die whenever they feel like it 
.
. These organizations are making millions off of people who are already vulnerable. And what about all the other people who aren't as sick or whatever? Are they gonna be next? 
.
.
.
? I don't think so.
. We need to be talking about solutions for our problems, not just throwing a lifeline to those who want to end their lives prematurely.
.
. The fact that there's a global movement pushing for assisted suicide laws for children is just devastating 
. We need to make sure we're prioritizing the well-being and protection of our most vulnerable populations, especially children 
. It's not about "alleviating suffering" or making it easier for people to die; it's about providing them with support, care, and the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest 
.
. We can't just keep pushing forward without considering the long-term effects on our communities or the young people who are affected 
. It's time for us to take a step back, have some tough conversations, and think about what we're really trying to achieve 
. We need to honor his memory by working towards creating a world where every child can grow up feeling safe, loved, and valued 
. cant they just use some of that to help kids who dont want to die or something?
We need to keep having these conversations and pushing for change... but also for accountability 
. Like, we already know how fragile childhood is - do we really need to make assisted suicide an option for 1-year-olds who are "suffering unbearably"? 
It's like, can't we just give them treatment and hope they get better? And what about all the other options we could explore to help kids cope with pain or disabilities? 
?
. Let's focus on supporting our youth and giving them the best chance at life, rather than pushing them towards death. 
.
. It's crucial we prioritize safeguards and consider the long-term effects of such legislation on our society 
.