Netherlands euthanizes child under 12 in first case since major law change

A terminally ill child under the age of 12 was euthanized in the Netherlands for the first time — two years after a major change to the country’s assisted dying laws came into force.Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans said the “incurably ill” child died last year, but didn’t reveal details about their age or illness during her annual report presentation to the House of Representatives on Monday, according to NOS.Prosecutors will now decide whether the doctor involved in the case acted legally, Hermans revealed in a letter to the lawmakers.The Dutch government legalized euthanasia for severely ill children between the ages of 1 and 12 in 2024.“Euthanasia is only allowed for patients whose unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement has a medical dimension,” the government says.“This can be the case with somatic diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease, but also with psychiatric disorders, dementia or multiple geriatric syndromes.”Euthanasia is not permitted “in cases where a person is ‘finished with life’ or deems their life to be ‘completed,'” according to the Dutch government.

Doctors must consult a six point checklist before deciding whether to end a patient’s life under the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act.First, they must rule that the patient is not under duress and decide whether their “suffering is unbearable with no prospect of improvement,” according to the government.They must have informed the patient about their illness, and conclude there’s “no reasonable alternative.”Physicians must also consult with an independent doctor, as well as exercise due care and attention throughout the process.For children under 12, parents must give their consent.Government ministers said at the time the law change would apply to around five to 10 children, who suffer unbearably from their illnesses.“The end of life for this group is the only reasonable alternative to t...