A two-year-old child has been euthanised in the Netherlands in the first case of its kind, a review board has confirmed. The toddler, born prematurely at 26 weeks, was suffering from severe medical conditions and was nearly 24 months old at the time of death.
The Committee for Late-Term Abortion and Termination of Life in Newborns and Children concluded that the doctor who carried out the procedure, whose gender has not been given, had done so with due care. It had previously been known that a child under 12 had been euthanised in the country, but this is the first non-infant to receive an assisted death.
Severe Health Conditions
The report stated the child had significant brain damage, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, and epileptic seizures unresponsive to medication. The toddler also had mucus in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties.
After concluding that the child's suffering could not be alleviated through medical treatment, the doctor and parents decided to end the child's life. A second opinion from independent doctors was sought, and they noted that while the epilepsy caused discomfort, the seizures were not continuous and there were still reasonable alternatives, such as palliative options and other medications.
Review Board's Conclusion
However, a further opinion from a doctor found that the toddler's "unbearable suffering was clearly visible" and that the requirements for euthanasia had been met. The board believed the doctor made the correct assessment.
"All facets of 'being human' - regarding motor skills, behaviour, and personality - were severely impaired and were not going to improve," it stated. "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."
The committee concluded that the physician was entitled to determine there was no reasonable alternative solution to reduce or eliminate the child's suffering other than to end the child's life.
Legal Context
Assisted dying for terminally sick children aged from one to 12 has been legal in the Netherlands for two years. Before the change in the law, only newborns and those over 12 could be euthanised.
