Dutch liberal parties want national legislation on pro-life demonstrations
Vigil by Dutch abortion clinic in Utrecht. Photo RD, Anton Dommerholt
Western Europe
If it were up to the liberal ruling parties VVD and D66, pro-life activists should not be allowed to demonstrate within 500 metres of abortion clinics. They said so in reaction to the statement of health minister Ernst Kuipers, who noted that such legislation was not necessary at a national level.
The two parties attempt to change the mind of minister Kuipers so that he will work to realise a ban. That is reported by the Dutch daily Reformatorisch Dagblad. On Thursday, Kuipers argued during a debate that such measures are primarily the responsibility of local authorities. He finds it risky to take responsibility for access to abortion clinics because he is also responsible for implementing the abortion law.
Euthanasia for children
During the same debate, the Dutch MPs also discussed the possibility of developing embryos for scientific research. VVD and D66 want to work on a proposal that allows parents to choose the sex of their child if that prevents them from transferring a hereditary disease.
Furthermore, the MPs talked about the possibility of euthanasia for children between 1 and 12 years old. Previous health minister Hugo de Jonge attempted to legalise the practice. However, it was heavily criticised. Current health minister Ernst Kuipers aims to have a new proposal ready by October at the latest. He said that the legislation would apply only to children who suffer hopelessly and unbearably, who do not benefit from pain medication and whose death is expected soon. In addition, Kuipers will have to make his opinion clear about the possibility of euthanasia of newborns.
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