Netherlands Euthanasia Law: First Child Victim Was a 1-Year-Old Baby
A government report reveals the infant suffered from severe complications including sepsis and extensive brain damage.
The first child to be euthanized in the Netherlands under an expanded assisted-dying law was a 1-year-old baby, according to a government report. This case marks the first assisted death of a person under the age of 12 since the law was broadened.
The child, born prematurely at 26 weeks in another country, battled sepsis and was diagnosed with extensive brain damage at four-and-a-half months old. Further diagnoses included severe cerebral palsy and infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. The infant experienced significant seizures, particularly when eating, leading to a swallowing disorder and a high risk of respiratory infections.
By nearly two years old, the child's developmental age was estimated to be that of a six-week-old baby, with severe physical and mental disabilities. Physicians determined there was a high probability of the child dying young due to complications and that the child's condition was unlikely to improve.
The Netherlands legalized euthanasia for severely ill children aged 1 to 12 in 2024. Euthanasia is permitted for patients experiencing unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement and a medical dimension to their condition. The report indicated that the physician involved acted lawfully, having confirmed no reasonable alternative existed to alleviate the child's suffering other than termination of life.
Doctors are required to consult a six-point checklist, ensuring the patient is not under duress and assessing their suffering. In this case, the physician obtained parental consent, consulted with an independent doctor, and exercised due care. Unlawful euthanasia carries a penalty of up to 12 years in prison.
In 2002, the Netherlands became the first country to legalize euthanasia under strict conditions. In 2025, the country reported 10,341 deaths by assisted suicide or euthanasia, a 3.8% increase from the previous year. Belgium has permitted medical aid in dying for children of all ages since 2014, and Canada legalized assisted suicide in 2016.