(Adnkronos) – In the Netherlands, euthanasia has been performed on a child under 12 years old. This is the first case since the Dutch government expanded, in February 2024, the legislation authorizing euthanasia for minors aged between one and twelve years suffering from incurable diseases and experiencing unbearable pain. Dutch authorities have not disclosed the exact age, sex, or health condition of the child, nor have they provided any information on the family situation or the healthcare facility where the child was hospitalized. The Dutch government explained that the attending physician had reported the procedure to the special commission in charge, which examined the medical record and interviewed the doctor. The commission forwarded its opinion to the public prosecutor’s office, which will determine whether the professional complied with the applicable legal framework. In the Dutch system, supervision is carried out retrospectively, not with prior authorization.
For euthanasia of minors, the consent of parents and doctors is required, according to whom there are no reasonable alternatives to alleviate suffering. In the Netherlands, euthanasia is limited to seriously ill children whose death is considered imminent. Conditions considered include severe congenital malformations, metabolic diseases, and severe damage to vital organs. At the time of its adoption, the government specified that the rule would apply to a “small group” of five to ten children under 12 years old per year, for whom palliative care is insufficient to alleviate suffering.
In 2002, the Netherlands was the first country to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide. They were also the first, in 2014, to authorize them for minors over twelve years of age capable of discernment, as well as for infants under one year of age, with parental consent. The legislation was subsequently extended in 2024 to children under 12 years of age in specific circumstances. According to a report published in May 2025 by the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees, 2024 set a new record with 9,958 cases, 10% more than the previous year. This represents 5.8% of the 172,049 deaths recorded in the country.
