Major international advocacy groups are now advancing laws that would permit physician-assisted dying for minors, with Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands already having frameworks in place allowing “mature minors” to consent.
In Canada, legislators are considering expanding eligibility to youth and individuals whose sole condition is severe psychiatric illness—a marked shift from past criteria focusing on terminal physical disease. Proponents cite autonomy and mental suffering; critics warn the change could erode safeguards for vulnerable young people.
Opponents—including disability-rights organizations and bereaved families—say these laws risk pressuring children who are socially isolated, mentally ill or vulnerable into choosing death rather than longer-term care. They argue such a trend could inflict “untold damage” on youth populations worldwide.
Behind the scenes is a global euthanasia-lobby network dubbed “Assisted Suicide Inc.,” which reportedly finances campaigns, develops “suicide tourism” services, and promotes end-of-life training. Documents show that 96 organizations across 41 countries are actively engaged in expanding assisted-dying laws, including for minors.
Legal scholars warn of the “slippery slope” effect: what began as relief for terminally ill adults may become normalized for younger individuals with treatable disorders. They emphasize the importance of maintaining robust age, mental-capacity and parental-consent protections to prevent irreversible harm.