Citation

Verhagen AA. J. Med. Ethics 2013; 39(5): 293-295.

Affiliation

Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands. a.a.e.verhagen@umcg.nl

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/medethics-2013-101402

PMID

23637430

Abstract

In The Netherlands, neonatal euthanasia has become a legal option and the Groningen Protocol contains an approach to identify situations in which neonatal euthanasia might be appropriate. In the 5 years following the publication of the protocol, neither the prediction that this would be the first step on a slippery slope, nor the prediction of complete transparency and legal control became true. Instead, we experienced a transformation of the healthcare system after antenatal screening policy became a part of antenatal care. This resulted in increased terminations of pregnancy and less euthanasia.

Language: en