Child under 12 euthanized in Netherlands in first case since law change

Netherlands is second country to legalize doctor-assisted deaths for children, following Belgium

Published Jun 24, 2026  •  2 minute read

The Netherlands’ euthanasia law was updated in 2024 to include children under the age of 12 in a state of unbearable pain or suffering, so they can “die with dignity.” Photo by gorodenkoff /iStock / Getty Images

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An “incurably ill” child under the age of 12 has been euthanized in the Netherlands, marking the first case since the law changed two years ago.

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Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans wrote in a letter to parliament that the child had died last year, but did not include any other details including their gender, age, their date of death or the illness they suffered from, according to the Dutch broadcaster NOS.

When did the law change?

The Netherlands’ euthanasia law was updated in 2024 to include children under the age of 12 in a state of unbearable pain or suffering, so they can “die with dignity.”

It should also only apply in exceptional and extreme circumstances.

“Euthanasia is only allowed for patients whose unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement has a medical dimension,” according to the Dutch government website.

“This can be the case with somatic diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease, but also with psychiatric disorders, dementia or multiple geriatric syndromes.”

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The government notes that euthanasia is not permitted “in cases where a person is ‘finished with life’ or deems their life to be ‘completed.’”

Dutch Health, Welfare and Sport Minister Sophie Hermans speaks to the press ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting in the Hague on May 8, 2026. (Robin Utrecht/ANP/AFP/Getty Images) Photo by Robin Utrecht/ANP/AFP /Getty Images

How is euthanasia for children approved?

The procedure previously had only been permitted for newborns and children over 12, while patients under the age of 18 require the consent of a parent or guardian.

For the procedure to happen, a doctor must convince authorities that euthanasia is appropriate and that there is no other humane option. Officials are especially vigilant when applying the legislation to young children.

Prosecutors will now decide whether the doctor involved in the case acted legally, Hermans added in the letter, though she noted that a review committee has examined the case and spoken to the doctor, according to the outlet.

Two years ago, government ministers expected the change to only apply to five to 10 children a year.

“The end of life for this group is the only reasonable alternative to the child’s unbearable and hopeless suffering,” the government said at the time.

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Not only Netherlands

The Netherlands is the second country to legalize doctor-assisted deaths for children following Belgium, which has allowed the procedure since 2014.

But the Netherlands in 2002 was the first nation in the world to legalize euthanasia under strict conditions with all cases to be reported to medical review boards.

Last year, 10,341 deaths by assisted suicide or euthanasia were reported in the Netherlands, according to Regional Euthanasia Review Committees.

About 85% of cases involved patients battling illnesses such as cancer and lung disease.

Only one child, between 12 and 18, died from euthanasia. Three in every four cases involved people over 70.

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