Dutch Psychiatrist’s Chilling Farewell to 17-Year-Old Sparks Euthanasia Debate
A leading Dutch child psychiatrist is facing scrutiny after administering lethal injections to patients, including a 17-year-old, under the country’s legal euthanasia framework. Since 2002, Dutch law has allowed doctors to end the lives of patients requesting relief from “unbearable” suffering with no prospect of improvement. The case of Milou Verhoof, who suffered early trauma, rape at 13 and years of depression, gained wide attention after a public TV programme. On October 2, 2023, Dr Menno Oosterhoff helped Milou die in her childhood bedroom. Witnesses say he calmly told her, “Girl, have a good trip,” before proceeding. Milou’s mother defended the decision, praising the doctor’s careful evaluation and saying it confirmed what they long feared about her daughter’s suffering. A recent case in Spain—where a paraplegic woman chose euthanasia this March—has reignited Europe-wide debate over assisted suicide for those with mental health and physical disabilities.
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