A Dutch physician has, for the first time, ended the life of a child suffering from an incurable illness, following the implementation of new legislation in 2024. The law allows for active termination of life for children aged 1-12 experiencing unbearable and hopeless suffering, a practice previously limited to newborns and those over 12. The case was reported to a specialized commission tasked with evaluating such instances, and the commission’s assessment has been forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for legal review. The Public Prosecutor will determine if the physician acted in accordance with the law. While details regarding the child’s age and condition remain confidential, the procedure is intended for children with conditions like severe congenital defects or metabolic diseases where suffering cannot be alleviated. Prior to this law, options were limited to palliative sedation or withholding food and drink, potentially prolonging the dying process. The case is expected to spark further debate surrounding the sensitive issue of euthanasia for children.