A critical approach to neonatal euthanasia : a proposal for a protocol aimed at harmonising the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights

Abstract

As societies developed, medical practices advanced as well. Consequently, moral dilemmas arise putting fundamental rights at stake. This paper deems to explore the practice of neonatal euthanasia and the born polemics due to human rights conflicts, cultural relativism, bio rights as well as fiduciary duties within the European Union. In cases of euthanasia, law and morality clash, this posing a definite challenge on the European Court of Human Rights. When it comes to cases of neonatal euthanasia, conflicting rights arise, and the absoluteness of the right to life and not being subject to torture are being questioned. Ethical questions are being posed, cross-examining issues of when life begins, who is the right holder, the duty bearer as well as what it means to be a human being or a person. Thus, this paper through the analysis of neonatal euthanasia, the absoluteness of the rights and the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights will argue that an Additional Protocol mirroring the Dutch Groningen Protocol, with regards to the practice, shall be proposed to the Oviedo Convention. Hence, the European Court of Human Rights by having available such protocol will have clearer guidelines when similar difficulties are being encountered.