Should minors have euthanasia rights?
A 17-year-old in Belgium has become the first minor to be granted the right to die.
It has been called the ultimate gesture of humanity. For some it is a show of compassion, but others say it is unethical, and a form murder.
Several countries allow euthanasia, but Belgium is the only one in the world that has no age restrictions.
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And now for the first time, the country has allowed a 17-year-old to commit suicide with the help of a doctor.
Belgium’s child euthanasia law was passed two years ago, and sets out specific criteria for minors. But how young is too young to choose between life and death?
Presenter: Martine Dennis
Guests:
Dr Jutte Van Der Werff Ten Bosch – Paediatric Oncologist at the Flemish Free University of Brussels
Peter Williams – Executive Officer of Right To Life UK.
Philip Nitschke – Founder and Director of Exit International