title: The Groningen Protocol for newborn euthanasia; which way did the slippery slope tilt?
abstract: In The Netherlands, neonatal euthanasia has become a legal option and the Groningen Protocol contains an approach to identify situations in which neonatal euthanasia might be appropriate. In the 5 years following the publication of the protocol, neither the prediction that this would be the first step on a slippery slope, nor the prediction of complete transparency and legal control became true. Instead, we experienced a transformation of the healthcare system after antenatal screening policy became a part of antenatal care. This resulted in increased terminations of pregnancy and less euthanasia.
authors: Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands. a.a.e.verhagen@umcg.nl
authors: A A Eduard
authors: AA
authors: Verhagen
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000941:ethics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000941:ethics; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D028601:Euthanasia, Active / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009426:Netherlands; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000592:standards; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D035761:Wedge Argument; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000941:ethics
keywords: Decision-making; End-of-life; Ethics; Neonatology