The Netherlands has recorded its first euthanasia case for a child under the age of 12, two years after a significant change to the country's assisted dying laws took effect. Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans confirmed the incident occurred last year, involving an "incurably ill" child, though specific details about the child's age or illness were not disclosed.
Prosecutors will review the case to determine if the doctor involved acted legally, Hermans stated in a letter to lawmakers. The Dutch government legalized euthanasia for severely ill children between the ages of 1 and 12 in 2024. The law stipulates that euthanasia is permissible only for patients experiencing unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement, provided the suffering has a medical dimension. This can stem from somatic diseases like cancer or cardiovascular issues, as well as psychiatric disorders or dementia.
The Dutch government clarified that euthanasia is not permitted for individuals who feel their life is "finished" or "completed." Before proceeding with euthanasia, doctors must adhere to a six-point checklist. Key requirements include confirming the patient is not under duress, assessing that their suffering is unbearable and without hope of improvement, ensuring the patient has been informed about their illness, and concluding that no reasonable alternative exists.
For children under 12, parental consent is mandatory for euthanasia. The government had estimated that the law change would affect approximately five to 10 children annually who experience unbearable and hopeless suffering from their illnesses. Previously, euthanasia was legal for infants under one year old and children over 12, while those between these ages could only receive palliative sedation or die naturally.
For minors aged 12 to 15, parental or guardian consent is required, but this is not the case for 16 and 17-year-olds, who must be consulted but whose consent is not necessary. Doctors performing euthanasia unlawfully face potential prison sentences of up to 12 years and fines.
The Netherlands was the first country to legalize euthanasia under strict conditions in 2002, with all cases subject to reporting to medical review boards. Belgium also allows doctor-assisted death for children of all ages, having implemented such legislation in 2014.
In 2024, a total of 10,341 deaths by assisted suicide or euthanasia were reported in the Netherlands, a 3.8% increase from the previous year. The majority of these cases, around 85%, involved patients with illnesses such as cancer and lung disease, with most individuals over 70. Only one reported euthanasia case involved a teenager between 12 and 18 years old.
Meanwhile, a proposed bill in the United Kingdom that would have allowed terminally ill adults in England and Wales to choose to end their lives failed to pass the House of Lords in April due to a lack of parliamentary time.