Now we have come full circle. It was widely reported on Saturday that a terminally ill 17-year-old became the first minor to be officially euthanized in Belgium since age restrictions on euthanasia were lifted in 2014. Jacqueline Herremans, a member of Belgium\u2019s federal euthanasia commission (death panel?), said in a French media report, \u201cThe euthanasia has taken place.\u201d\u009d She further announced that the euthanasia was done \u201cin accordance with Belgian law.\u201d\u009d Few details were provided other than the minor child had \u201ca terminal illness.\u201d\u009d Belgium is presently the only country in the world that allows terminally-ill children of any age to choose to end their life, but Belgian law requires that the minor be capable of making \u201crational decisions.\u201d\u009d Further, any request for euthanasia must be made by the minor, be studied by a team of doctors, approved by an independent psychiatrist or psychologist, and have parental consent. The only thing missing is the 1,700 special courts and 27 higher courts to give their legal authorization . . . always within the law, of course. The Netherlands also allows mercy killings for children, but only for those aged over 12. Lord, have mercy!<\/p>\n