A 17-year-old Dutch girl was killed by euthanasia after doctors concluded that she was experiencing “unbearable and hopeless psychological suffering”.
Milou Verhoof died on 2 October 2023 after suffering from mental-health problems for years and undergoing repeated treatments. Her case was later examined by the Netherlands’ Regional Euthanasia Review Committees, which found that the doctor had complied with the country’s legal requirements for euthanasia.
Because Milou was 17, her parents had to be involved in the decision-making process, although Dutch law did not require their consent. Her parents ultimately supported her "decision".
The case later drew objections from fourteen doctors, mostly psychiatrists, who asked prosecutors to examine aspects of her euthanasia, including questions about her capacity to decide and possible influence from those around her.
The case returned to the Dutch courts in 2026 after Milou’s parents sought the identities of those critical doctors.
In September, a court ordered prosecutors to disclose their names.
On 29 September, the prosecutors announced that it was appealing because it wants an appellate court to clarify when the identities of people who confidentially raise concerns with prosecutors may be disclosed.
The prosecutors explicitly say the appeal does not affect the disclosure already made to Milou’s parents.
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