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Re:Both in rich and poor countries, universal health care br... by SideburnsOfDoom on Wednesday May 02, 2018 @04:08PM (#16980708)
> What?! How does an infant/toddler receive legal representation arguing for the plug to be pulled, outside of the wishes of his parents?! That is the very definition of authoritarianism.

So, arguing the doctors' point of view of a terminally ill child's best interests is "authoritarianism", and arguing the parents' point of view is not? OK.

Fortunately English law disagrees, and believes that children are not their parents' property. If you want to know more, start here and follow the thread: https://twitter.com/BarristerSecret/status/98919574700547686...

Re:Both in rich and poor countries, universal health care br... by fortythirteen on Thursday May 03, 2018 @08:09AM (#16985199)
Who in their right mind think's a toddler's best interest is to die?
Re:Both in rich and poor countries, universal health care br... by DanBC on Thursday May 03, 2018 @09:16AM (#16985685)
Who in their right mind thinks it's okay to subject a dying child to severe pain and discomfort in order to keep him alive for a few extra days?

American religious fundamentalists, that's who: https://twitter.com/BarbaraRich_law/status/99200573272698880...

Re:Both in rich and poor countries, universal health care br... by SideburnsOfDoom on Thursday May 03, 2018 @09:49AM (#16985974)
Simple answer to your question: It is for _doctors_ to assess if there is any realistic hope of recovery from an illness and if not, when palliative care is the best option. They're not perfect but it's the best that we have.

Terminal illness happens to us all eventually, you have to face that. It happens to children too sometimes, you have to face that too.