WRONGFUL LIFE CLAIMS IN THE NETHERLANDS − THE HOGE RAAD DECIDES C03/206 HR JHM/RM

The Netherlands has always had a reputation for being more progressive than most societies. In addition to the booming prostitution trade and the ubiquitous coffee-shops where one may drop in for a whiff of cannabis without fearing prosecution, euthanasia was legalised in 2001 (after having been practised and tolerated (“gedoogd”) for many years prior to legalisation).The Hoge Raad has done it again with its decision in the Kelly case, in which a child, Kelly Molenaar, was awarded damages for the fact that she had been born with a severe handicap (Nr. C03/206HR JMH/RM, www.rechtspraak.nl).Ever... Mehr ...