Netherlands Reports First Euthanasia Death of Child Under 12

The Netherlands has carried out its first euthanasia of a child younger than 12 under a 2024 law allowing the practice in rare pediatric cases, People reports. In a June 22 letter to parliament, Health Minister Sophie Hermans said a child was euthanized in late 2025 due to severe illness, according to Dutch News. No identifying details or medical specifics were disclosed.

As with all euthanasia cases in the country, the death has been sent to the public prosecution service to confirm doctors followed legal procedures; the review committee has interviewed the physician and will share its conclusions. The Netherlands legalized voluntary euthanasia for adults in 2002 and later expanded it to minors 12 and up. The 2024 rule covers terminally ill children under 12 who are judged to be "suffering unbearably" with no chance of recovery, with decisions made by doctors and parents. Per the NL Times, the law is intended to cover children who are likely to die within the foreseeable future, often due to congenital abnormalities or metabolic diseases.