For the first time in Netherlands, euthanasia of a child under 12 years of age, will be examined by a doctor.

For the first time in the Netherlands, a child under the age of 12 has been given legal euthanasia. This is the first case that has come to light after the law was changed in 2024. Under the new rules, euthanasia can be given to those children between the age of 1 to 12 years who are suffering from incurable disease, are suffering unbearable pain and have no hope of recovery.

Netherlands Health Minister Sophie Hermans said that this child left this world last year through euthanasia. However, he did not give any information about the child’s age, identity or illness. He gave this information while presenting the annual report of the government in Parliament. The Health Minister also said that now the government lawyer will investigate this matter. They will see whether the doctor performing euthanasia followed all the rules laid down in the law correctly or not.

The law was changed in 2024

The Netherlands government changed the law in 2024. After this, children aged between 1 to 12 years also got permission for euthanasia under certain circumstances. The government has made it clear that euthanasia can be given only on serious medical conditions. Mere feeling that life is complete or no longer feel like living is not a basis for obtaining permission for euthanasia.

Doctors have to follow many rules

Doctors have to fulfill many legal conditions before performing euthanasia. They have to ensure that the patient’s pain is unbearable, that there is no hope of recovery and that he is given complete information about his illness. At the same time, it also has to be seen that there is no other suitable option for treatment.

The doctor also has to take the opinion of an independent doctor and complete the entire procedure with great care. For patients under 12 years of age, it is necessary to obtain the consent of their parents or legal guardian. When this law was made, the government had estimated that this rule could apply to about 5 to 10 children every year.

What were the rules before?

Euthanasia was previously permitted in the Netherlands for infants under one year of age and people over 12 years of age. But children between 1 to 12 years did not have this right. Such children were given only pain-relieving treatment or waited for natural death.

For children aged 12 to 15 years, the consent of a parent or guardian is required for euthanasia. At the same time, 16 and 17 year old teenagers can take decisions themselves, although their parents are included in this process. If a doctor performs euthanasia outside the law, he can be punished with imprisonment up to 12 years and a fine.

First country to recognize euthanasia

The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize euthanasia in 2002. Here the medical examination committee reviews every case. At the same time, in 2014, Belgium had given legal approval to euthanasia for children of all ages.