Dutch government backs euthanasia for under-12s

Dutch heath minister says change is needed to help terminally ill children

The Dutch government will permit doctors to euthanise terminally ill children aged between one and 12 after months of debate within the ruling coalition.

The country's health minister, Hugo de Jonge, said a change in regulations was necessary to help a small group of terminally ill children who agonise with no hope, and unbearable suffering".