A two-year-old child was euthanised in the Netherlands after suffering severe and irreversible medical conditions, in the first known case of its kind involving a child under 12 who was not an infant.
The case was identified in a review by the Netherlands' Committee for Late-Term Abortion and Termination of Life in Newborns and Children.
Severe Conditions From Birth
The toddler, whose gender was not disclosed, was nearly 24 months old and had been born prematurely at 26 weeks. The child went on to suffer severe brain damage, cerebral palsy and visual impairment.
The toddler also reportedly struggled to breathe because of mucus in the lungs and suffered epileptic seizures that did not respond to medication.
Conflicting Medical Assessments
A second opinion was sought to establish whether the child's condition could be improved through further medical treatment. One assessment initially concluded that the child was not continuously experiencing unbearable suffering. The report said: “The epilepsy caused a great deal of discomfort, but the epileptic seizures were not continuous.”
The doctors also concluded there were still possible alternatives, including palliative care and other medications that could potentially improve control of the seizures.
However, another physician was subsequently asked to assess the toddler and reached a different conclusion. That doctor found that the toddler's “unbearable suffering was clearly visible” and agreed that the requirements for ending the child's life through euthanasia had been met.
Committee Decision
The Committee for Late-Term Abortion and Termination of Life in Newborns and Children agreed with the decision. In its assessment, the committee said: “All facets of ‘being human’ – regarding motor skills, behavior, and personality – were severely impaired and were not going to improve.” It added that the child's parents and doctor had seen no improvement despite medical and non-medical interventions.
The committee said they were convinced that the child was “suffering unbearably and without prospect of relief.” The board concluded that the doctor had acted with due care when euthanising the toddler.
