Story perspectives

Netherlands Refers First Under-12 Euthanasia Case

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

A child under 12 was euthanised in the Netherlands in late 2025, prompting a referral of case to prosecutors.
The 2024 amendment extended euthanasia to children under 12, projected to affect about five minors annually.
Health Minister Sophie Hermans said a review committee will forward its findings, that the law requires illness, unbearable suffering, parental consent and a joint doctor-family decision, which ethicist Yechiel Bar-Ilan says differs from Israel’s ban.

History

Historical Context

In April 2001 the Dutch Parliament, led by Health Minister Els Borst (D66), passed the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Act, effective 1 April 2002. The law set a minimum age of 12, yet 2004 Groningen Protocol allowed limited child cases; an April 2023 amendment expanded eligibility to all children, and 2024 proposal now includes under-12s, five cases annually after 6,585 euthanasias were reported in 2017.

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Story summary

A child under 12 was euthanised in the Netherlands in late 2025, prompting a referral of case to prosecutors.
The 2024 amendment extended euthanasia to children under 12, projected to affect about five minors annually.
Health Minister Sophie Hermans said a review committee will forward its findings, that the law requires illness, unbearable suffering, parental consent and a joint doctor-family decision, which ethicist Yechiel Bar-Ilan says differs from Israel’s ban.

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