Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Netherlands Reports First Euthanasia of Child Under Twelve
The Netherlands allows euthanasia in some very serious medical situations.
A committee reported that a very young child had died through euthanasia.
The report described the child as almost 24 months old, although the case was initially described as involving a one-year-old.
The child was born very prematurely and had severe brain damage.
The child also had infections, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and breathing and swallowing problems.
Doctors and the parents tried several medical and other treatments.
They believed the child was suffering greatly and would not improve.
The parents then asked the doctor to end the child’s life.
The committee said the doctor had followed the required care standards.
A Dutch committee reported that a child almost 24 months old was euthanised after severe illness.
The child was born at 26 weeks and suffered extensive brain damage, infections and sepsis.
The child later developed infantile spasms syndrome, cerebral palsy, seizures and several serious complications.
The parents and physician concluded that the child was suffering unbearably without prospects of improvement.
The committee found that the physician had acted with due care under the Netherlands’ 2024 law.
- Who
- A child, the child’s parents, a physician and a Dutch review committee were involved.
- What
- The child was euthanised in the first reported use of the Netherlands’ 2024 provision for children under 12.
- When
- The death occurred at the end of 2025, according to the report and government statement.
- Where
- The Netherlands.
- Why
- The child had severe, irreversible medical problems and was considered to be suffering unbearably without prospects of improvement.
- Country
- The Netherlands
- Child’s reported age
- Almost 24 months, though the case was initially described as involving a one-year-old
- Birth
- Born at 26 weeks
- Major conditions
- Extensive brain damage, infections, sepsis, infantile spasms syndrome and cerebral palsy
- Additional complications
- Seizures, severe sleeping disorder, respiratory problems, coughing fits and swallowing disorder
- Timing of death
- End of 2025
- Legal context
- A 2024 Dutch law allows euthanasia for children below age 12 under specified conditions