Abstract

The general involvement of minors in the decision-making that occurs within medical settings is not straight forward, and end-of-life decisions and euthanasia for minors pose peculiar ethical challenges for healthcare professionals [1]. Many of these challenges are a consequence of the complex interaction between healthcare professionals, parents, and patients [2]. Moreover, many consider the issue of euthanasia to be more controversial, because it deals with the ethical justification of permitting a capable minor to take part in the decision to use lethal drugs to terminate their life [3]. The ethical debates on end-of-life care in minors have taken place in many countries, in Europe, only the Netherlands and Belgium have adopted specific legislation that allows euthanasia in minors [4].