RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Against euthanasia for children: a response to Bovens
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 57
OP 58
DO 10.1136/medethics-2015-102920
VO 42
IS 1
A1 Kaczor, Christopher
YR 2016
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/42/1/57.abstract
AB If we accept euthanasia for adults, should we also accept voluntary euthanasia for children? In ‘Child Euthanasia: Should We Just Not Talk about It?’, Luc Bovens answers this question affirmatively. Bovens examines five arguments against extending euthanasia to minors, the arguments being weightiness, capability of discernment, pressure, sensitivity and sufficient palliative care. He rejects each of these arguments. In this paper, I provide a rejoinder for each of his responses. I also critique his view that opponents of euthanasia have extra responsibility to promote palliative care. On the contrary, if euthanasia is legalised, advocates of euthanasia have a special obligation to promote improvements in palliative care.