Child “Nearly 24 Months Old” Euthanized In European Country

Child euthanized in Netherlands' assisted-dying program was just a baby https://t.co/c765NJZfCf pic.twitter.com/Q1EwYZeaXt

— New York Post (@nypost) September 28, 2026

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At 8 months old, the child was diagnosed with a rare and serious form of epilepsy called infantile spasms syndrome (also known as West syndrome) and cerebral palsy. The seizures led to the baby developing a severe sleeping disorder, as well as suffering from respiratory problems, coughing fits and a swallowing disorder.

“In the course of the child’s short life, there was a complete lack of development or improvement,” the report states. “Every facet of ‘being human’ in terms of motor skills, behavior and personality was severely affected, and there would be no improvement. Despite all the medical and non-medical interventions, the parents and the physician saw no improvement in the child’s condition and were convinced that the child was suffering unbearably and without prospect of improvement.”

After prognosis and treatment options were discussed, the parents asked the physician to terminate the child’s life. According to the report, the committee found that “the physician had acted with due care” given the circumstances.

This was the first time that a child under the age of 12 was euthanized since the new law was passed two years ago.

Voluntary euthanasia — when a medical professional ends a person’s life at their request — was legalized in the Netherlands in April 2002, making it the first country in the world to offer the option.

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The Netherlands has 'aborted' a 2-year-old baby, just one year after the country legalized euthanasia for children under 12.

In 2025, 10,341 people in the Netherlands were euthanized, up nearly 4% from the year before.

According to the Assessment Committee for Late Termination… pic.twitter.com/UOOmOAJ7DA

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 28, 2026

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The Dutch government legalized euthanasia for severely ill children between the ages of 1 and 12 in 2024.

“Euthanasia is only allowed for patients whose unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement has a medical dimension,” the government says.

The report found the physician acted lawfully throughout the process.

Doctors concluded there was a “realistic expectation… the child’s situation would deteriorate further.”

Doctors must consult a six-point checklist before deciding whether to end a patient’s life under the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act.

They must rule that the patient is not under duress and decide whether their “suffering is unbearable with no prospect of improvement,” according to the government.

Doctors were “convinced that there was no reasonable way to reduce or end the child’s suffering other than by termination of the child’s life.”

The physician fully informed the child’s parents about the process, obtained their consent, consulted with at least one independent doctor, and exercised due care, therefore acting lawfully.

Doctors who perform euthanasia unlawfully risk up to 12 years in prison, and could also face a fine.

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