In the regulation that Kuipers sent to the House, seven due care are mentioned as conditions. For example, there must be ‘no reasonable possibility’ to remove the hopeless suffering of the child. The group (aged 1 to 12) for whom euthanasia becomes possible are children who are expected “to die in the foreseeable future.”
Furthermore, both parents must agree, and the doctor must consult at least one other independent doctor. Although children themselves are not considered competent, it is “unthinkable” that the child’s will is not taken into account. “In a legal sense, the child does not have to consent to the termination of life. However, the doctor must make an effort to contact the child in a way that suits the child’s comprehension level.”
Verbal and non-verbal signals from the child must be taken into account. “If the doctor receives the signal that the child does not want his life to be ended,” parental consent is not enough to proceed with euthanasia.
Matters of life and death are always sensitive, especially in politics. The current coalition is often divided on these kinds of medical-ethical issues. Responses to the scheme have not yet been processed. Kuipers will return to the House on this in October.