Dutch toddler becomes first child under new euthanasia law to be ended

An eight-month-old Dutch toddler, born far preterm and suffering from periventricular leukomalacia, spastic cerebral palsy, severe visual impairment, and infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, was declared to be enduring unbearable and hopeless suffering. After the parents rejected a proposed medication adjustment and palliative care, a second medical opinion confirmed the child met the statutory conditions for euthanasia, which the Netherlands extended to minors in 2024.

The physician then carried out the procedure, ending the child's life. This case marks the first instance of a child under twelve being euthanized under the new law. The article also notes similar “death with dignity” legislation emerging in several U.S. states, though those laws currently restrict assisted dying to adults.