Netherlands becomes first country to euthanise a child under 12 after toddler born at 26 weeks had no hope of recovery

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 29 September 2026.

The Netherlands has euthanised a toddler who was approaching its second birthday, born at 26 weeks gestation with profound brain damage, cerebral palsy and uncontrollable epileptic seizures — believed to be the earliest-known instance of assisted death applied to a child beyond infancy but under the age of 12. The death took place late in 2025 under a 2024 law permitting physicians to end the lives of terminally ill children aged one to 12 in exceptional circumstances. A Dutch review committee concluded that the doctor had acted with due care, having sought opinions from multiple independent physicians. Palliative care and alternative medications had been exhausted before the decision was taken.

The child also suffered visual impairment and chronic lung mucus that caused breathing difficulties, and was not expected to survive to adulthood.

One independent specialist initially questioned whether the child's suffering met the required threshold, observing that the seizures were not continuous, but a second physician confirmed 'unbearable suffering was clearly visible.'

The 1-to-12 age bracket was introduced by the 2024 legislation, which extended a framework previously limited to newborns — making this the FIRST case carried out under the expanded law.