Against Euthanasia for Children: A Response to Bovens

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Abstract

If we accept euthanasia for adults, should we also accept voluntary euthanasia for children? In 'Child Euthanasia: Should We Just Not Talk about It?', Luc Bovens answers this question affirmatively. Bovens examines five arguments against extending euthanasia to minors, the arguments being weightiness, capability of discernment, pressure, sensitivity and sufficient palliative care. He rejects each of these arguments. In this paper, I provide a rejoinder for each of his responses. I also critique his view that opponents of euthanasia have extra responsibility to promote palliative care. On the contrary, if euthanasia is legalised, advocates of euthanasia have a special obligation to promote improvements in palliative care.

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Original Publication Citation

Kaczor, Christopher. “Against Euthanasia for Children: A Response to Bovens.” Journal of Medical Ethics, vol. 42, no. 1, Jan. 2016, pp. 57–59. https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2015-102920.

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