BRUSSELS, Belgium – Two committees of the Belgian Senate say the country’s law permitting euthanasia should also apply to children in certain cases.
A joint meeting of the chamber’s committees of social affairs and justice on Wednesday approved the proposal, 13-4. The bill, which has aroused intense debate in Belgium, must be examined next by the full Senate.
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If finally approved by the legislature, children in Belgium suffering unbearable physical pain and in the terminal phases of a disease could request euthanasia, provided their parents consented.
A psychologist would have to certify that the child was aware of the consequences of the decision, and the child would have to be under medical care.
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