Dutch Officials Confirm First Reported Child Euthanasia Case

Dutch officials confirmed that a child nearly 24 months old died by euthanasia at the end of 2025, in the first publicly reported case involving a child aged 1 to 12 under rules expanded in 2024. Born prematurely at 26 weeks, the child had severe brain damage, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and serious breathing and swallowing difficulties, with no prospect of meaningful improvement. The parents and treating physician concluded the child’s suffering was unbearable and could not be relieved. After an initial independent assessment cited possible alternatives and found the suffering was not continuous, a further opinion concluded the criteria were met. The review committee found that the doctor acted with due care, and prosecutors will not pursue the case.