Netherlands Records First Case of Euthanasia for Child Under 12
A terminally ill child under the age of 12 has been euthanized in the Netherlands, marking the first case since the country’s law was amended two years ago to extend medical euthanasia to younger children. Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans confirmed the case in a letter to parliament, according to Dutch broadcaster NOS.
The child died last year, though Hermans did not disclose further details such as gender, exact age, date of death, or the specific illness involved. The announcement brings renewed attention to one of the most debated end-of-life policies in the world.
When Was the Law Changed?
The Dutch euthanasia law was updated in 2024 to include children under 12 who are in a state of unbearable pain or suffering, allowing them, in the government’s words, to “die with dignity.” The provision applies only in exceptional and extreme cases.
According to the Dutch government’s official guidance, “Euthanasia is only permitted for patients whose unbearable suffering with no hope of improvement has a medical dimension.” The policy covers somatic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions, as well as psychiatric diseases, dementia, and multiple aging syndromes. The government explicitly states that euthanasia is not permitted in cases where a person is simply “finished with life” or considers their life to be “complete.”
How Is Euthanasia for Children Approved?
Before the 2024 amendment, euthanasia was only permitted for newborns and children over the age of 12. Patients under 18 have always required consent from a parent or guardian to proceed.
For the procedure to move forward, a doctor must convince authorities that euthanasia is appropriate and that no other humane alternative exists. Officials apply particular vigilance when administering the legislation to young children. In the recent case, a review board examined the situation and consulted with the treating doctor. Prosecutors will now determine whether the physician acted lawfully.
When ministers proposed the change two years ago, they estimated it would apply to only five to 10 children per year. “Ending the lives of this group is the only reasonable alternative to the unbearable and hopeless suffering of the child,” the government stated at the time of the amendment.
Not Just the Netherlands
The Netherlands is the second country to legalize medical euthanasia for children, following Belgium, which has permitted the procedure since 2014. However, the Netherlands holds the distinction of being the first country in the world to legalize euthanasia under strict conditions in 2002, with all cases reported to medical review boards.
According to regional euthanasia review committees, 10,341 deaths from assisted suicide or euthanasia were reported in the Netherlands last year. Approximately 85% of those cases involved patients suffering from diseases such as cancer and lung disease. Only one child between the ages of 12 and 18 died as a result of euthanasia. Three out of four cases overall involved patients over the age of 70.
