Doctors in Belgium have stated raising children on a vegan diet is "unethical" and should be a offence. Vegans refrain from consuming any animal , including meat, eggs, dairy products and animal-derived . The Royal Academy of Medicine of Belgium has declared that veganism is " for unborn children, children, teenagers, and pregnant and lactating women". Professor Georges Casimir said vegan parenting as "non-assistance to a person in danger," which is a criminal offence that carries a prison of up to two years. He said children need " requirements for protein and essential fatty acids" and that these must be from animal products.
The animal rights PETA reacted to the ruling of the Belgian medical association. It rejected the ruling and called it " codswallop". PETA spokeswoman Dawn Carr said: "Nutritionists confirm that while a meat- and dairy-based is what strikes people down in adulthood (as it can lead to hardened arteries that cause , brain aneurysms, and heart attacks) a well-planned vegan diet is for babies and children." She added: "Kids, including my own, thrive on a vegan diet, but as with any dietary , it's the parents' to ensure their child is getting all the nutrients." Around three per cent of Belgian children live in vegan families.
