Despite misgivings, the L.A.
Times is in favor of allowing the euthanasia of terminally ill children. It
approves of Belgium’s
new law establishing protocols for the practice, and wants a similar regime
instituted in California.
At first reading of the decision, the editorialist gasps, but recovers his breath upon realizing that the idea of helping children die only
seems incredibly cold and barbaric.
It’s actually dignified for a variety of reasons, you see. First, it’s humane to stop pain and
suffering. Secondly, “aid in dying” is
empowering, as it honors the choice
to end life on one’s own terms rather than nature’s. Third, we’ll have tightly controlled
circumstances and legal protections--airtight, I presume--to avoid abuse. Fourth, logic compels it. Really.
