From El Pais:
The Netherlands reported the first case of euthanasia of a minor due to extreme suffering from a mental disorder. The recent announcement didn’t reveal the gender of the adolescent, who was between 16 and 18 years old and no longer required parental consent by law. The parents were informed and supportive of their child’s decision. Requests for euthanasia due to insurmountable suffering have been rising since 2011, with 138 cases in 2023, a 20% increase over the previous year. But it has ignited a debate in the Netherlands over mental health care.
The report of this minor’s assisted death was posted on the website of the Regional Commissions (RTE) that oversee all euthanasia cases. Without delving into specifics to protect the patient’s privacy, the report confirmed that experts reviewed the request and verified that it was sound, voluntary and met the criteria for severity and lack of alternative solutions. As a result, they determined that the doctor who treated the patient acted within the expected standard of care.