In the Netherlands, euthanasia was carried out for the first time on a child under 12 years old suffering from a severe illness. Local media reported this.
According to reports, this case is the first to be recorded after changes were made to the euthanasia law in 2023. Dutch Minister of Health Sophie Hermans stated that the procedure was performed at the end of last year.
A special commission conducted an investigation into the case, interviewed the doctor who performed the euthanasia, and submitted its conclusion to the supervisory authority.
The minister did not disclose specific information about the child's age, diagnosis, or when the euthanasia was carried out.
The Netherlands is the first country in the world to legalize euthanasia as a medical practice. This practice has been applied within the framework of the law in the country since 2002.
In April 2023, the country's government relaxed age restrictions regarding euthanasia. According to the new procedure, the decision regarding minor patients with severe and incurable illnesses is made with the involvement of doctors and parents.
In accordance with the legislation, euthanasia can only be applied in cases where the patient's condition cannot be alleviated through palliative care, the patient is suffering severely, and the disease is deemed incurable. Additionally, the child's opinion is also taken into account in the decision-making process.
Subsequently, a special commission evaluates whether the doctor's actions complied with current medical standards and ethical requirements. The commission includes doctors, legal experts, and specialists in the field of ethics.
