Editor's Note: Chinese authorities rejected a couple's plea for euthanasia for their one-year-old son who was diagnosed with incurable brain atrophy, saying that euthanasia is currently illegal in China. Should euthanasia be legalized? Our forum readers share their opinions on this issue and you are welcome to share yours.

Hilmi (China)

There is not the legal basis for euthanasia in China and it is difficult to differentiate euthanasia and deliberate killing. The current law of China forbids any person to "deprive others of their lives." If the doctor really ended patients' lives by using drugs, it is entirely possible for the doctor to be charged with "deliberate killing" or he is likely to receive administrative or legal punishment and denunciation by the public opinion.

An undated photo shows Xiong Zhengqing (R) and his wife carry their son who was diagnosed with incurable brain atrophy and could not breathe on his own. The couple's plea for euthanasia for their son was rejected by local authorities as euthanasia is illegal in China. [Photo/CRI and jxnews.com.cn]