A two-year-old child in the Netherlands has become the first known non-infant under 12 to be euthanised. Born prematurely at 26 weeks, the child suffered from severe brain damage, cerebral palsy, visual impairment and medication-resistant epileptic seizures that caused unbearable suffering. This case represents a significant development in one of the world's most permissive euthanasia regimes.

The child was nearly 24 months old at the time of death; after determining that medical treatments could not alleviate their condition, the doctor and parents decided to end their life. A review board investigation concluded the doctor acted with due care, though initial consultants identified possible alternative treatments. However, a second opinion confirmed the child was suffering unbearably with no prospect of improvement. Assisted dying for children aged 1 to 12 has been legal in the Netherlands for two years; the country pioneered euthanasia legislation in 2002 for terminally ill patients and maintains strong public support for the practice.