Netherlands euthanises 2-year-old after removing age limits on assisted dying
A two-year-old with severe brain damage and uncontrollable seizures was approved for assisted dying.
The child was born very early at just 26 weeks. Brain damage, cerebral palsy, and eyesight problems resulted from this early birth.
The child lived with these conditions for nearly two years. Severe seizures could not be controlled by medication.
The child also had breathing problems from fluid in the lungs. This caused constant suffering.
Independent doctors found that no care could ease this suffering. A medical review board said the child's quality of life was very poor.
The board also said it would not improve. The Dutch government removed age limits for assisted dying in 2026.
Before then, the procedure could only be used for newborns or children over 12.
- 2 years old
- Child's age
- 26 weeks
- Birth gestational age
- 2026
- Policy change year
Why it mattersThe case shows how policy changes affect real life. These changes expand end-of-life options for children with terminal conditions and unbearable suffering.
AustraliaAustralia's ongoing debate about medical assistance in dying may look to this case when discussing whether and how to extend eligibility to severely ill children.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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