Royal Dutch Medical Association goes after psychiatrists who spoke against child euthanasia

A group of psychiatrists who urged the public prosecution office in the Netherlands to investigate after a 17-year-old was euthanized are now being criticized by the Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG), showing just how entrenched the culture of death is in Dutch society.

Dutch News reported that 14 “prominent psychiatrists” sent a letter to prosecutors, urging them to find out “to what extent those close to this vulnerable patient (…) influenced this young patient’s decision to choose euthanasia.” The girl, identified only as Milou, had been a victim of sexual abuse, and experienced depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. She had attempted suicide numerous times, and by the age of 17, she was able to qualify for euthanasia, claiming “unbearable mental suffering.”

The psychiatrists questioned whether minors should be able to apply for euthanasia and whether mental suffering should be deemed incurable, and stated how they believed the “widespread promotion of euthanasia” could lead to “the unnecessary death” of other children.

In response, the psychiatrists were harshly criticized by the KNMG, which said their letter was “improper and unacceptable,” and could — perhaps most importantly — undermine the trust of citizens in “the profession” — presumably meaning doctors who commit euthanasia.

Ultimately, the mere act of questioning Milou’s euthanasia death was called “indecent and unacceptable.”

Milou’s parents agreed with the KNMG’s response, saying they want apologies for the psychiatrists’ letter. “We expect that the fourteen doctors will realize after this statement from the KNMG that they have overstepped the mark and that the letter must be officially withdrawn,” they told Volkskrant.

The Netherlands is one of the most pro-euthanasia countries in the world, and permits virtually any citizen who requests it to be killed. They have seen a drastic increase in people requesting euthanasia for mental illness, like Milou, while critics have said euthanasia has tragically become an acceptable option for ‘treating’ mental illness.

Professor of Psychiatry Damiaan Denys, who signed the letter calling for investigation into Milou’s death, said the KNMG’s reaction was “unnecessary, unwise and late,” and that the letter was meant to raise awareness to “the ease with which euthanasia is mentioned for young people with mental problems.”

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