I read with interest your article “At the hour of our death” (22 February). I have been involved in the anti-euthanasia movement in Quebec and appeared before the government commission Mourir Dans la Dignité presenting my opposition as a paediatrician to the legalisation of euthanasia particularly as it would ultimately apply to children. Quebec, basing itself on the Belgian law, should heed what is happening in Belgium now with the legalisation of euthanasia for children. Among the ethical principles involved in medical care is the principle of informed consent. Children of course cannot give informed consent to euthanasia and so euthanising a child is de facto unethical. The author states that in the Netherlands only five minors have been euthanised, but the Groningen