A two-year-old has been euthanised in the Netherlands after the Dutch government lowered the age limit for assisted dying. The child, who was nearly 24 months old, is the first known case of a child under 12 who was not an infant undergoing assisted death, according to a review board investigation.
Details of the case
The child was born prematurely at 26 weeks and suffered severe brain damage, cerebral palsy, and visual impairment. The child's gender was not noted. The toddler reportedly struggled to breathe due to mucus in the lungs and suffered epileptic seizures that did not respond to medication.
A second opinion was sought to ensure the child could not be helped by medical care. That physician found that the toddler's 'unbearable suffering was clearly visible' and agreed that the requirements for euthanasia had been met.
Committee's decision
The Committee for Late-Term Abortion and Termination of Life in Newborns and Children agreed with the decision. It stated: “All facets of 'being human' – regarding motor skills, behavior, and personality – were severely impaired and were not going to improve.”
The committee added: “Despite all medical and non-medical interventions, the parents and the doctor observed no improvement in the child’s condition and were convinced that the child was suffering unbearably and without prospect of relief.”
