"Starting this week, Belgium becomes the first country in the world to lift all age restrictions on euthanasia – which already has been legal there for 12 years.
The controversial law took effect after King Philippe signed it on Sunday. While widely opposed by religious groups throughout Europe, it was supported by a strong majority of Belgians despite the fact that the country is predominantly Roman Catholic.
The bill, which was passed in parliament by an overwhelming majority last month, allows for terminally and incurably ill children to request euthanasia if they are near death, and suffering “constant and unbearable physical” pain with no available treatment.
Similar legislation exists in the Netherlands, though only for children over the age of 12.
Opponents of the contested legislation, including religious leaders from different denominations, a number of medical organizations and politicians mostly from conservative parties, worry that the new legislation will contribute to the trivialization of euthanasia and will take the country down a perilous ethical path.
Doctors opposing the law argued that modern medicine can alleviate the suffering of terminally ill patients.
Speculation on whether Belgium will become a new destination for what is known as “death tourism” has also been raised by representatives of political parties opposed to lifting age restrictions for medically assisted deaths.
They argue that as cultural differences and moral reasons prevent most other nations from legalizing euthanasia, people will travel to countries that allow the practice. They worry that Belgium has opened its doors to death-seeking visitors." Forbes
The controversial law took effect after King Philippe signed it on Sunday. While widely opposed by religious groups throughout Europe, it was supported by a strong majority of Belgians despite the fact that the country is predominantly Roman Catholic.
The bill, which was passed in parliament by an overwhelming majority last month, allows for terminally and incurably ill children to request euthanasia if they are near death, and suffering “constant and unbearable physical” pain with no available treatment.
Similar legislation exists in the Netherlands, though only for children over the age of 12.
Opponents of the contested legislation, including religious leaders from different denominations, a number of medical organizations and politicians mostly from conservative parties, worry that the new legislation will contribute to the trivialization of euthanasia and will take the country down a perilous ethical path.
Doctors opposing the law argued that modern medicine can alleviate the suffering of terminally ill patients.
Speculation on whether Belgium will become a new destination for what is known as “death tourism” has also been raised by representatives of political parties opposed to lifting age restrictions for medically assisted deaths.
They argue that as cultural differences and moral reasons prevent most other nations from legalizing euthanasia, people will travel to countries that allow the practice. They worry that Belgium has opened its doors to death-seeking visitors." Forbes
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed:
for in the image of God made he man.
Genesis 9:6
