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In the Netherlands, euthanasia was carried out for the first time on a child under the age of 12

In the Netherlands, euthanasia was carried out for the first time on a child under the age of 12

25 June 2026, 17:00

In the Netherlands, euthanasia was carried out for the first time on a child under the age of 12 — Euthanasia in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, for the first time in the country’s history, euthanasia was carried out on a terminally ill child under the age of 12. This took place back in 2025.

The Daily Mail reports this.

The patient’s death was confirmed by the country’s Health Minister, Sophie Hermans, whilst presenting the committee’s annual report to parliament, which examines cases of late-term abortions and medically assisted deaths of children. The document states that the child was seriously ill, but no further details have been disclosed.

It is reported that the case has been referred to the public prosecutor’s office, which is to determine whether the doctors complied with all the necessary legal and medical procedures. The commission’s report will be published shortly.

It is worth noting that the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise euthanasia for people with incurable illnesses in 2002. Assisted dying for terminally ill children aged between 1 and 12 became legal in the country two years ago.

Under Dutch law, such a procedure may only be carried out under strict conditions. In particular, the request must come from the patient themselves, and medical professionals must ensure that the person is not under any pressure and must obtain an independent expert opinion from another doctor.

It is also mandatory to consult with the child’s parents and obtain their consent. Furthermore, doctors must confirm that the patient is suffering unbearable and incurable pain, and that there is no chance of recovery.

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