Photo not directly related to this article [Pixabay]
Photo not directly related to this article [Pixabay]

The Netherlands has confirmed that euthanasia was carried out on a 2-year-old child with a severe illness — the first such case in history — stirring controversy.

According to Dutch outlet NL Times, the Netherlands' Regional Euthanasia Review Committee concluded that a doctor who performed euthanasia on a child under 12 had met the required duty of care.

The child was born prematurely at 26 weeks and suffered from serious brain damage, severe cerebral palsy and visual impairment from birth. The condition deteriorated continuously as frequent epileptic seizures compounded breathing and swallowing difficulties.

At around 2 years of age, the child's developmental level remained that of a 6-week-old infant, with no language development whatsoever. Brain damage also impaired visual function, leaving communication extremely limited.

The child was unable to clear mucus from the airways and lungs, causing respiratory distress, while the swallowing disorder posed a significant risk of aspiration pneumonia. Medical staff determined that the condition showed no prospect of improvement despite various treatments and that death from complications at a young age was highly likely.

The attending physician concluded there was no realistic way to reduce the child's suffering, and the parents requested euthanasia after lengthy discussions with the medical team. Because the child was unable to express their own wishes, parental consent was factored into the decision.

The physician sought second opinions from several independent medical professionals. Some doctors said it was difficult to conclude that the child's suffering was continuously unbearable and suggested that other options, such as medication, could be tried. Others determined there was no reasonable means of alleviating the suffering.

The physician carried out euthanasia on the child in late 2025. The Dutch review committee examined the case this month and determined that the doctor had satisfied the prescribed duty of care.

Since 2024, the Netherlands has permitted euthanasia for children aged 1 to 11 under strictly defined conditions: the condition must be incurable, the suffering must be continuous and unbearable, no reasonable alternative means of relief must exist, and the physician must obtain an opinion from an independent doctor.

The case is the first involving a child in the 1-to-11 age group since the system took effect. Controversy persists, however, over the fact that the child was unable to participate in the decision. Some argue that because a 2-year-old cannot request or refuse euthanasia, the principle of self-determination — central to euthanasia — cannot meaningfully apply.

Separately from the review committee's findings, Dutch prosecutors are expected to make an additional determination on whether the case met the legal requirements.


bbo@heraldcorp.com