Dutch proposal to make euthanasia for children possible

Seven conditions are mentioned in the regulation that Kuipers has sent to the House of Representatives. For example, there must be "no reasonable possibility" of alleviating the child's hopeless suffering. The group (ages 1 to 12) for whom euthanasia becomes possible are children who are expected "to die within the foreseeable future". This reports the Christian Dutch daily Reformatorisch Dagblad.

Furthermore, both parents must consent, and the doctor must consult at least one other independent physician. Although children themselves are not considered legally competent, it is "inconceivable" that the child's will is not taken into account. "In a legal sense, the child, therefore, does not have to consent to the termination of life. However, the doctor must try to engage with the child in a way that is appropriate to the child's level of understanding."

Verbal and non-verbal signals from the child must be taken into account. "If the doctor signals that the child does not want his life to be terminated," the parents' consent is not enough to proceed with euthanasia.

Critical

Kuipers' plans are not new: previously, various interest groups had already reacted critically to a draft regulation shared by the Ministry. This reports the Christian Dutch daily Nederlands Dagblad. Now, at the request of MPs, the regulation has been sent to Parliament.

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service, among others, is 'dismissive' of the regulation. According to prosecutor-general Rinus Otte, there is still "a great deal of uncertainty about what kind of suffering in children is so unbearable that only euthanasia can end it." In May, the KNMG federation of physicians also strongly criticised because, among other things, children are insufficiently involved in the decision-making process, according to the organisation.

In October, Kuipers will present a renewed version of his plans, which will take the criticism into account. Instead of regulation, the Cabinet could also have opted for an amendment to the Euthanasia Act. However, it seems to have decided against this. This is in line with the wishes of paediatricians, who fear that an amendment to the law would lead to a polarised debate.

In the Netherlands, euthanasia under the supervision of a doctor is allowed from the age of 16 without the consent of relatives or guardians. In the Western-European country, the Groningen protocol also applies. This document regulates the euthanasia of newborns up to one year old.