Child under 12 euthanised in the Netherlands

A child under the age of twelve, who was seriously ill, has been euthanised in the Netherlands, in the first case of its kind since the law was changed two years ago.

In a letter to the Dutch parliament, Sophie Hermans, the health minister revealed that the child had been euthanised at the end of last year. This is the first time that euthanasia has been given to a child under 12 since a new law was passed. Before then, euthanasia was only possible for newborns and those over the age of 12.

When the law came into force two years ago it was expected that there would be five to ten cases of euthanasia involving children each year. Under the new legislation, euthanasia is possible for terminally ill children who are suffering unbearably with no hope of recovery.

The Netherlands was the first country to legalise euthanasia in 2002, when it passed a law allowing the practice for those who had incurable illnesses causing unbearable physical or mental suffering. Before the change in the law two years ago euthanasia was allowed for children under the age of one, and 12 years old and over. Children between one and twelve, however, were considered unable to make their own decisions.

After revealing the first death by euthanasia of a child under 12, Ms Hermans said that a review committee had been set up to examine whether the doctor acted in line with the current law. The committee has already spoken with the doctor involved and is expected to make its report public shortly.

This comes as Lauren Edwards MP has brought back the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to the House of Commons. The assisted suicide Bill, which was originally introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP, ran out of time in the last parliamentary session after the House of Lords raised serious objections to the legislation. Edwards’ reintroduced Bill will receive a second reading in the Commons in September. Supporters of assisted suicide have suggested that, if the Bill passes the Commons, the Parliament Acts could be used to circumvent the approval of the House of Lords.