The Netherlands has confirmed the first euthanasia of a child under the age of 12 since expanding its assisted dying law two years ago, a milestone that is renewing debate over the ethics of ending the lives of terminally ill children.

Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans disclosed the case in an annual report to the country’s House of Representatives, revealing that an “incurably ill” child died through euthanasia at the end of 2025. Officials did not release the child’s age, medical condition, or other identifying details.

Under Dutch law, every euthanasia case is reviewed to ensure legal requirements were followed. Hermans said the case has now been referred to prosecutors, who will determine whether the physician complied with the country’s strict legal standards.

The Netherlands first legalized voluntary euthanasia in 2002, becoming the first nation in the world to do so under specific conditions. At the time, the law applied primarily to adults and certain minors. In 2024, however, the Dutch government expanded the law to include terminally ill children between the ages of 1 and 12 who are experiencing what it describes as unbearable suffering with “no prospect of improvement.”

According to the Dutch government, “Euthanasia is only allowed for patients whose unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement has a medical dimension.” Officials say this can include severe illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, dementia, and other serious medical conditions. The government also emphasizes that euthanasia is not permitted simply because someone believes their life is “completed” or is “finished with life.”

Before euthanasia can be performed, physicians must follow a six-point legal checklist. Doctors must determine that the patient’s suffering is unbearable, confirm there is no reasonable alternative, fully inform the patient about their condition, consult an independent physician, and exercise due care throughout the process. For children under 12, parental consent is required.

Government officials previously estimated the expanded law would apply to only five to 10 children each year, stating that “the end of life for this group is the only reasonable alternative to the child’s unbearable and hopeless suffering.”

The newly reported case marks the first known use of the law since it took effect.

According to the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees, the Netherlands recorded 10,341 deaths by euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide last year, a 3.8% increase from the previous year. About 85% of those cases involved patients with illnesses such as cancer or lung disease, while roughly three out of every four patients were over the age of 70. Only one teenager between the ages of 12 and 18 underwent euthanasia during that period.

The Netherlands is not alone in permitting euthanasia for minors. Belgium has allowed physician-assisted death for children of any age under certain circumstances since 2014.

For many Christians, the report raises profound questions about the value of human life, suffering, and compassion. While supporters argue that euthanasia offers relief from unbearable pain, many faith leaders maintain that every human life bears God’s image and deserves protection from natural beginning to natural end, even in the midst of profound suffering.