Orlowski J P, Smith M L, Van Zwienen J
Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195-5086.
Am J Dis Child. 1992 Dec;146(12):1440-6. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1992.02160240050019.
Pediatric euthanasia is currently practiced in the Netherlands on newborns, infants, children, and adolescents, although exact numbers are not known. Euthanasia in the Netherlands is generally assumed to be active and voluntary, but some cases of pediatric euthanasia would have to be characterized as nonvoluntary. Much of the motivation behind the euthanasia movement and the performance of pediatric euthanasia in the Netherlands is a genuine, compassionate desire to alleviate pain and suffering. In this study, we review the Dutch experience, with particular attention to the current practice of euthanasia on newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. We discuss pediatric euthanasia from an ethical point of view. We assert that more effective pain control, better symptom management, and psychosocial support of the dying and their families would alleviate the perception of suffering, and reduce the perceived need to resort to euthanasia.
目前，荷兰对新生儿、婴儿、儿童和青少年实施安乐死，尽管具体数字不详。荷兰的安乐死一般被认为是主动且自愿的，但一些儿科安乐死案例不得不被定性为非自愿的。荷兰安乐死运动及儿科安乐死实施背后的许多动机，是减轻痛苦的真诚、同情的愿望。在本研究中，我们回顾荷兰的经验，特别关注目前对新生儿、婴儿、儿童和青少年实施安乐死的情况。我们从伦理角度讨论儿科安乐死。我们断言，更有效的疼痛控制、更好的症状管理以及对临终者及其家人的心理社会支持，将减轻痛苦感，并减少诉诸安乐死的必要性。
