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J Med Ethics 2006;32:157-158 doi:10.1136/jme.2005.012476
  • Clinical ethics

The Groningen protocol: another perspective

  1. A B Jotkowitz,
  2. S Glick
  1. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
  1. Correspondence to:
 Alan B Jotkowitz
 MD, The Jakobovits Center for Medical Ethics, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; ajotkowitz{at}hotmail.com
  • Received 13 April 2005
  • Accepted 17 June 2005

Abstract

The Groningen protocol allows for the euthanasia of severely ill newborns with a hopeless prognosis and unbearable suffering. We understand the impetus for such a protocol but have moral and ethical concerns with it. Advocates for euthanasia in adults have relied on the concept of human autonomy, which is lacking in the case of infants. In addition, biases can potentially influence the decision making of both parents and physicians. It is also very difficult to weigh the element of quality of life on the will to live. We feel an important line has been crossed if the international medical community consents to the active euthanasia of severely ill infants and are concerned about the extension of the policy to other at risk groups.

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