In the Netherlands, euthanasia was performed for the first time on a child under 12 years old.

Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans announced to the country's parliament the first case of euthanasia on a child under 12 years old. The procedure was performed late last year under the new euthanasia law, which came into force in 2024.

Before the legislative changes, terminally ill children under 12 years of age experiencing unbearable suffering could not be euthanized. In such cases, they continued to receive care in palliative care units, where specialists maintained their vital functions.

Dutch authorities are not releasing details about the child's age, identity, diagnosis, or other circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to Dutch law, euthanasia can be performed with the consent of the patient and/or his relatives, as well as a doctor, who must confirm not only the incurability of the disease, but also the fact of unbearable suffering of the patient.

In addition, the law stipulates that the physician is obliged to ensure that there is no coercion from third parties and to obtain an independent opinion from at least one other specialist.

Last year, about 6% of all registered deaths in the Netherlands were related to euthanasia, according to authorities.