Minors and euthanasia: a systematic review of argument-based ethics literature

“…Multiple authors have stated that a minor cannot understand the implications of euthanasia 14. This is why the legislature considers it necessary that the parents agree with the procedure.…”

Section: Ethical Aspects Of Organ Donation After Euthanasia In Childrmentioning

confidence: 99%

Organ donation after euthanasia in children: Belgian and Dutch perspectives

et al. 2018

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“…They do 11 Therefore Chan and Clayton (2006) oppose the suggestion to lower the voting age to sixteen. See also Cuman and Gastmans (2017). not comprehend the differences between causes of illness and illness symptoms.…”

Section: Competencementioning

confidence: 99%

Should the Euthanasia Act in Belgium Include Minors?

Cohen‐Almagor¹

2018

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine

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In 2014, Belgium became the first country in the world to legislate euthanasia for children. The decision evoked questions and criticisms in Belgium and in the world at large: should children have the right to ask to die? Are children able to make reasoned and independent choices on such an important matter? Does maturity matter? Are children as autonomous as adults? Is it a logical move to grant terminally ill children who are in intolerable pain this right? What happens if there is a conflict of wishes between the child and parents? This article argues that these questions should be addressed while legislators are fully aware of the relevant medical data regarding child development. The article weighs arguments for and against euthanasia for children, dis cussing patients' autonomy, competence, age and maturity, pressure and abuse, and palliative care. It is suggested that the option of pediatric palliative care should be exhausted before proceeding to euthanasia, and that psychological counselling be made available to both children and guardians. It is further argued that the law should explicate the age of children, and that it should insist on consensus between children and parents.

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“…Federal law does not currently allow Canadians under the age of 18 to apply for MAiD which was consistent with the court's ruling in the Carter decision requiring the consent of 'competent adults'. Some scholars criticize this requirement for creating an arbitrary cut off that does not scientifically reflect achieving an age of competent decision-making skills (Raus, 2016;Cuman and Gastmans, 2017). In line with these criticisms the Expert Advisory Group as well as the Special Joint Committee recommended that the government implement allowances for mature minors within three years of decriminalization (House of Commons, 2016).…”

Section: Mature Minorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While the opposite is true in the case of an elderly parent pursuing MAiD who would face these pressures to a much greater degree from their family members, who would feel less of an obligation than a parent does to their child (Bovens, 2015). Cuman and Gastmans (2017) classified the denial of autonomy for minors as a form of age discrimination. Supporters of MAiD for minors do not advocate for unrestricted access to MAiD for all but instead, argue that this should be decided on an individual basis.…”

Section: Mature Minorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Accessing Medical Assistance in Death (MAiD): An interpretative phenomenological analysis of experiences with MAiD by family members and providers in Manitoba; A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Arts degree, Department of Criminal Justice, The University of Winnipeg

Manzhura¹

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This research explored first-hand experiences with medical assistance in death (MAiD) in Manitoba. It aimed to uncover what experiences revealed about the process behind this new end-of-life option in Canada. Specifically, the research aimed to reveal positive and negative aspects of the MAiD process in Manitoba, from which recommendations can be extracted. To accomplish this, semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with eleven family members (who assisted with the MAiD process) as well as six members of the MAiD team (physicians, nurses, and a social worker). Interviews inquired into participant experiences with the MAiD process and legislation. Interviews were subsequently transcribed (anonymously) and manually analyzed for common themes among participants. Two major themes with subthemes were identified from participant responses. The first theme concentrates on the lack of MAiD awareness and understanding of MAiD requirements among the public and medical professionals. This lack of awareness stems from the absence of standardized education for medical professionals which in turn impedes access to MAiD for patients. The second theme discusses how moral objections (by loved ones, healthcare workers, or abstaining institutions) have also impacted the process. Notably, faith-based facilities (which prohibit MAiD), require patients to transfer elsewhere in order to access MAiD, which at times delays access or in some cases prevents it altogether. Transfers from abstaining facilities were described by participants as a drain on resources, morally distressing, and onerous for patients, sometimes ending unfavourably for them or preventing access to MAiD altogether. These findings call for better information dissemination about MAiD and most importantly, standardized education or professional development for healthcare providers. Greater public awareness of MAiD and its regulations is needed to ensure equitable access to this service, especially in rural areas. Finally, abstaining policies must be re-examined in order to alleviate transfer burdens for patients as well as healthcare providers and families. Further research is required to assess the depth and breadth of MAiD awareness across Canada, as well as track its progression over the years.

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Minors and euthanasia: a systematic review of argument-based ethics literature

Cited by 20 publications

References 24 publications

Organ donation after euthanasia in children: Belgian and Dutch perspectives

Organ donation after euthanasia in children: Belgian and Dutch perspectives

Should the Euthanasia Act in Belgium Include Minors?

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