By Sher Zieve – A debate over the killings of disabled infants has been requested by the UK’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Although withholding treatment is already allowed in the UK, the debate will center on whether or not active infanticide of disabled babies should be legalized.

Opposing the college’s consideration of infanticide, British Council of Disabled People spokesman Simone Aspis said: "We really do not know how long babies and young people will live for. We should not deny people the opportunity to live for as long as they are able to."

Spokesman for The Life Charity Matthew O'Gorman added: "There is a huge difference between withdrawing invasive treatment that has become futile, and taking action to intentionally end a child's life because treatment is considered to be too expensive or time-consuming."

The college subsequently issued the statement: "We would like the working party to think more radically about non-resuscitation, withdrawal of treatment decisions and active euthanasia, as they are ways of widening the management options available to the sickest of newborns."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6120126.stm