Child Non-Voluntary Euthanasia: When Quality Trumps Quantity

Abstract

For decades, the medical community has debated how best to alleviate the pain and suffering of patients while respecting moral values and judgement. Throughout these years, the field of medicine has birthed new methods and technology to enhance palliative care. However, at times, the patients’ conditions only worsen and the use of treatments and medications are to no avail. In these circumstances, euthanasia provides an alternative solution to the suffering of patients and their families. Euthanasia is defined as “knowingly and intentionally performing an act that is explicitly intended to end another person’s life.” ¹ It is currently legal in only eight jurisdictions around the globe. However, in late 2013, Bill 52 by the Québec legislature proposed to decriminalize euthanasia as a medical aid for death. Not only has this initiated further debate on the topic in Canada, but it may encourage other governments to consider implementing euthanasia. This opinion piece discusses how legalizing euthanasia would serve the interests of the patient and healthcare system, with a particular focus on child euthanasia