Belgium became the first country to pass a law to allow euthanasia for dying children. There were 86 votes for the bill, 44 against, and 12 no-votes. The controversial law is only for children in great pain. There are several rules before any euthanasia can happen. The child must be mentally aware, and ask for it. An adult must agree, and a medical team must write a psychological report. There must also be no treatment that would reduce the child's suffering.

The law has many opponents. They call it immoral and say children are not mature enough to decide such things. A man shouted "murderers" at the lawmakers. A Christian newspaper said: "In the 21st century, when parents…worry that children are growing up too quickly, [this will] hand kids one more responsibility." It children aren't old enough to drive or vote, so to decide when it's time to die "is one step too far". Many doctors said medicine could reduce pain.