Child under 12 first euthanised in Netherlands
A child under the age of 12 has become the first person in that age group to be euthanised in the Netherlands under the extended euthanasia laws; the case has been referred to the prosecutor's office.
On June 24, 2026, the first case of euthanasia of a child under 12 became known following the expansion of the relevant legislation in the Netherlands, reports The European Conservative.
Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans revealed the case in a letter to parliament, stating that the child died at the end of last year. No details about the child’s age, gender, or medical condition have been disclosed.
In 2024, the Netherlands permitted euthanasia for terminally ill children between the ages of one and 12. Previously, such a practice was only possible for newborns under special circumstances, as well as for children over 12 years of age.
Under current rules, euthanasia of a child is permitted only in cases where the child is experiencing unbearable suffering, has no prospect of recovery, and is expected to die in the foreseeable future. Parental consent is also required for the procedure.
The case has already been reviewed by a specialized committee that examines cases of medical care for children resulting in death. The committee discussed the circumstances with the physician and forwarded its findings to the prosecutor's office, which must determine whether the procedure complied with Netherlands law.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Anglican Church approved special liturgies for euthanasia deaths.
