Terminally ill child euthanised in the Netherlands was one year old, government says
The Netherlands legalised euthanasia for severely ill children between the ages of one and 12 in 2024.
A one-year-old child, the youngest person ever euthanized, was the first terminally ill child to undergo euthanasia in the Netherlands after a broader law took effect in 2024, according to government reports. Born prematurely, the infant contracted sepsis and was diagnosed with extensive brain damage at just four months. The child also suffered from a severe form of cerebral palsy and epilepsy, along with sputum clearance problems that increased the risk of respiratory infections.
Despite significant health deterioration, no developmental improvement was observed throughout the child's brief life. The parents ultimately requested the physician to end the child's life when improvement became impossible. Dutch officials revealed the tragic case in June but withheld specific details about the infant's age and diagnosis.
In a government report, it was disclosed that the child had been born prematurely, developed sepsis, and sustained extensive brain damage by four months. The physician faced potential prosecution, but the Public Prosecution Service decided against it after a committee concluded the doctor acted with due care.
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- One-year-old euthanised in the Netherlands theage.com.au
- One-year-old euthanised in the Netherlands smh.com.au
