The first case of euthanasia of a child under the age of 12 has been reported in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has recorded its first case of euthanasia involving a child under the age of 12 since the national legislation was expanded in 2024. According to The European Conservative, the incident, which occurred late last year, was officially confirmed by the country’s Minister of Health, Sophie Hermans.

Details of the case, including the child’s age, gender, and diagnosis, remain confidential. Under current regulations, the procedure is permitted in exceptional cases if the patient is experiencing unbearable suffering, has no chance of recovery, and, according to medical prognoses, is expected to die in the near future. Parental consent is a mandatory requirement for performing euthanasia in this age group.

At this time, a specialized committee overseeing medical care for children has already reviewed the circumstances of the incident. The case files have now been forwarded to the public prosecutor’s office, which is tasked with providing a legal assessment of the doctors’ actions and confirming their compliance with Dutch law.