For the first time in history, euthanasia of a child under 12 years of age is legal in the Netherlands.

New Delhi: Recently, a case has come to light from Netherlands, which has shocked everyone. Let us tell you, for the first time a child below the age of 12 years has been given euthanasia under the legal process. This case is believed to be the first case to come to light after the new law implemented in the year 2024. According to the amended rules, euthanasia can be allowed to those children aged between 1 to 12 years who are suffering from an incurable disease, are in unbearable pain and have no medical chance of recovery.

Health Minister gave information

According to the information, the country’s Health Minister Sophie Hermans has given information about this matter while presenting the annual report of the government in the Parliament. He told that the child concerned was euthanized last year under the legal process. However, to maintain confidentiality, no information related to the child’s identity, age and illness was made public. He also clarified that the government prosecutor will now review the entire case to ensure whether the doctor fully followed all the terms and conditions set out in the law during the procedure.

Along with this, according to the government, euthanasia can be given only in serious and incurable medical conditions. Merely being disappointed with life or feeling that life has been completed will not be considered a basis for getting permission for euthanasia.

What are the rules of euthanasia

Under the legal process, doctors are required to ensure that the patient is suffering unbearable pain, has no chance of recovery and has been given complete information about his health condition. Apart from this, it is also important that there is no effective alternative treatment available. The doctor is also required to obtain an independent medical opinion and in case of children under 12 years of age, consent from a parent or legal guardian is mandatory.

When was this law recognized

Let us tell you, Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize euthanasia in the year 2002. At the same time, in 2014, Belgium had given legal approval to euthanasia for children of all age groups with certain prescribed conditions. The Netherlands government estimates that under the new law, this provision can be used in the cases of about five to ten children every year.