Dutch Review Panel Clears Doctor In First Reported Euthanasia Case Involving Child Under 12

A Dutch review committee has concluded that a doctor acted with due care in the country’s first reported case involving the euthanasia of a child between the ages of one and 12.

The child was almost two years old when their life was ended in late 2025, according to a recently published case report. The child had been born at 26 weeks’ gestation and developed severe neurological complications following the premature birth.

The official report said the child had extensive brain damage, severe cerebral palsy, visual impairment and frequent epileptic seizures that responded poorly to medication.

Doctors and the child’s parents discussed treatment and palliative options before the decision was made to end the child’s life. The review committee said the doctor sought multiple medical opinions during the process.

Committee Reviews Decision

One physician consulted by the doctor initially concluded that the child’s suffering was not continuously unbearable and that other treatment options remained available.

The doctor subsequently sought another independent opinion. That physician concluded that the child was experiencing clearly visible, unbearable suffering and that there was no reasonable alternative capable of relieving it.

The review committee ultimately determined that the doctor had complied with the applicable standards of care.

The Netherlands has a separate framework for cases involving children aged one to 12. Under the framework, doctors must conclude that ending the child’s life is the only reasonable way to stop suffering that is unbearable and without prospect of improvement.

The case has drawn international attention because of the child’s age and the ethical questions surrounding end-of-life decisions involving children who cannot make such decisions themselves.