The Netherlands has reported its first known case of euthanizing a terminally ill child under the age of 12 since expanding its euthanasia laws earlier this year to include children aged one to 12 who are terminally ill with no prospect of improvement.
The case was disclosed by the Dutch Health Minister in a June letter to parliament alongside the annual report reviewing late-term abortions and medically assisted deaths of children. The government has not released the child's exact age, gender, or specific medical condition, citing privacy.
The euthanasia was carried out due to the child facing "unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement" that had a clear medical dimension. According to Dutch rules, euthanasia is allowed in such cases for diseases like cancer, certain psychiatric disorders, or complex conditions.
The country's laws also require parental or guardian consent for children under 12. The government has stated that in these cases, ending the child's life is considered "the only reasonable alternative to the child's unbearable and hopeless suffering."
The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide in 2002. Doctors who fail to follow the rules can face up to 12 years in prison.
Children aged one to 12 were previously barred from assisted suicide. Dutch officials estimated the change would apply to approximately five to 10 children per year.
In 2025, the Netherlands recorded 10,341 deaths by assisted suicide, a 3.8% increase from the previous year. Since the mid-2000s, the country has allowed euthanasia for severely disabled or terminally ill infants under one year old when suffering is deemed "unbearable and untreatable."
Some have raised concerns about the impact of legalizing euthanasia for children, citing potential effects on suicide rates. A previous study noted that legalizing assisted suicide has been associated with an increased rate of total suicides relative to other states.
Experts have urged caution, emphasizing the importance of high-quality care and effective communication in end-of-life situations. The American College of Physicians has stated that physician-assisted suicide is not a solution to difficult questions raised at the end of life, and instead advocates for compassionate support and the right resources.
