Euthanasia for Terminally Ill Child in the Netherlands

For the first time, a child under 12 years old in the Netherlands has undergone euthanasia, which follows significant revisions to the country’s assisted dying laws implemented two years ago.

During a presentation of the annual report to the House of Commons, Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans announced that a child suffering from an “incurable illness” passed away last year, although details regarding the child’s age or specific illness were not disclosed. This information was shared, according to NOS.

Hermans also indicated that legal authorities will now examine whether the actions of the involved healthcare providers were lawful.

The Dutch government legalized euthanasia for critically ill children between ages 1 and 12 as of 2024.

“Euthanasia is permitted only when patients are in unbearable suffering with no hope for recovery,” said the government.

This stipulation applies to both physical ailments, like cancer and heart disease, as well as mental health issues, dementia, and various geriatric syndromes.

Importantly, euthanasia is not permissible if a person merely feels they have “finished with life” or believes their life is “over,” as noted by the Dutch government.

Before making a decision regarding euthanasia under the Ending of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act, doctors must follow a six-point checklist.

The checklist assesses whether the patient feels pressured and confirms that their suffering is intolerable with no feasible alternatives. Physicians must explain the illness to the patient and conclude that no reasonable alternatives exist.

A consultation with an independent physician is also required, and due caution must be practiced throughout the procedure.

For children under the age of 12, parental consent is mandatory.

Previously, euthanasia was only legal for infants under one year and children over twelve, where they could only meet their end through palliative sedation or natural death.

For minors aged 12 to 15, parental consent is required, while those aged 16 to 17 need consultation but not formal approval.

Healthcare professionals who perform euthanasia unlawfully may face up to 12 years in prison and potential fines.

Notably, the Netherlands was the first country to legalize euthanasia in 2002 under strict guidelines, and every case must be reported to a medical review board.

Interestingly, the Netherlands isn’t alone in this; Belgium has permitted euthanasia for minors since 2014.

Last year, a total of 10,341 individuals died via assisted suicide or euthanasia in the Netherlands, representing a 3.8% rise from 2024, according to the Regional Euthanasia Review Committee.

The majority—about 85%—of these cases involved patients with severe illnesses like cancer or lung disease, and three-quarters were over 70 years old.

Remarkably, only one teenager aged 12 to 18 underwent euthanasia.

In contrast, a recent bill in the UK aimed at allowing terminally ill patients in England and Wales to choose to end their lives did not make it through the House of Lords, despite receiving support from elected figures. The bill was ultimately defeated in April when parliamentary time ran out due to a de facto filibuster by members of the British Senate.