It's Now Official

When something is put in writing we like to say that 'it is official'. Well I'm disappointed to say that The Netherlands has officially declared itself to be a sick society. According to the article:

Under the Groningen protocol, if doctors at the hospital think a child is suffering unbearably from a terminal condition, they have the authority to end the child's life. The protocol is likely to be used primarily for newborns, but it covers any child up to age 12.

The hospital, beyond confirming the protocol in general terms, refused to discuss its details.

"It is for very sad cases," said a hospital spokesman, who declined to be identified. "After years of discussions, we made our own protocol to cover the small number of infants born with such severe disabilities that doctors can see they have extreme pain and no hope for life. Our estimate is that it will not be used but 10 to 15 times a year."

A parent's role is limited under the protocol. While experts and critics familiar with the policy said a parent's wishes to let a child live or die naturally most likely would be considered, they note that the decision must be professional, so rests with doctors.

The parent's wishes 'most likely would be considered'! Oh my God! I can't believe that a debate is even needed about such a thing. How can these people are considering allowing unelected bureaucrats to determine whether their children are 'fit to live'?

Any country that would allow their government to determine whether their children live or die is beyond reproach. I'm totally speechless...

Anyone out there from the Netherlands? What's wrong with you?

I'm going to go and cry for a while.

[Via The Weekly Standard]

Update @ 2:16pm

For more on this check out The Diplomad.