1st-ever euthanasia case of terminally ill child under 12 years old recorded in the Netherlands

A seriously ill child under the age of 12 has been euthanised in the Netherlands.

This is the first time the procedure has been carried out on a patient in this age group.

The euthanasia took place at the end of 2025, according to a parliamentary letter by Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans, The Telegraph reported.

The letter, first released by Dutch media, did not include any information about the child's age, identity, or medical details.

Euthanasia has been legal in the Netherlands since 2002 for newborns under the age of one, as well as for patients aged 12 and above.

In 2024, the law was expanded to bridge the gap, legalising the procedure for children under the age of 12.

It is strictly limited to children suffering from incurable terminal illnesses who face extreme, unalleviated pain with no prospect of recovery.

Parental or legal guardian consent is mandatory for minors.

A review committee has examined the case and spoken to the attending doctor, Hermans stated in her letter.

The committee has since submitted its findings to public prosecutors, who will decide whether the doctor fully acted in accordance with the law, Hermans said.

She added that the committee’s official report is expected to be released to the public shortly.