Slippery Slope... Or Compassion?

Belgium has passed a law allowing euthanasia for terminally ill children.

Belgium Close to Allowing Euthanasia for Ill Minors

This law, not yet signed by the king (yes, it's a monarchy), doesn't explicitly put the decision in the hands of the parents or guardians. Supposedly, the child has some input:

Under the measure, approved 86 to 44 by the lower house, euthanasia would be permissible for terminally ill children who are close to death, experiencing “constant and unbearable suffering” and can show a “capacity of discernment,” meaning they can demonstrate they understand the consequences of such a choice.

Which means, to me, that there are some tacit restrictions involving age. Could a toddler understand the consequences? Certainly, an infant cannot so at what age would this be an option for a parent? Five? Six? Ten?


I don't know about you but I find this law disturbing.