For the first time in the Netherlands: A child under 12 undergoes euthanasia

For the first time in the Netherlands, a child under the age of 12 has been subjected to euthanasia, according to an announcement made by Health Minister Sophie Hermans. The case marks the first implementation of a law allowing euthanasia for children aged 1 to 12, which came into force two years ago.

According to Dutch media, the procedure was carried out late last year. The child's identity has not been made public, while authorities have stressed that it was a terminally ill minor who was suffering unbearably and with no prospect of recovery.

Dutch law stipulates very strict conditions for such cases. Parents must give their consent, doctors must confirm that the patient's suffering is incurable and unbearable, and the procedure must respect a series of criteria set out in law.

Minister Hermans announced that the case has been reviewed by the special commission established to monitor the implementation of the new legislation. The commission has analyzed the documentation and held discussions with the doctor involved in the procedure, while its findings have been forwarded to the prosecution, which will decide whether each action was carried out in accordance with the law.

When the new regulation was adopted in 2024, authorities estimated that there would be an average of five to ten such cases per year. It was created for children who are expected to die in the near future and for whom medicine can no longer provide sufficient pain relief.

Before this change, euthanasia was only allowed for infants up to one year old in certain circumstances and for minors over 12. Children in the age group of 1 to 12 were considered legally incapable of making such decisions, leaving a gap in the legislation.

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in 2002. The law applies only in special cases and under strict medical and legal supervision. Meanwhile, neighboring Belgium became the first country in 2014 to allow euthanasia for children without a minimum age limit, under specific conditions.

The latest case is expected to reignite the ethical and legal debate over euthanasia of minors, an issue that continues to divide public opinion in many countries around the world.