Erica’s daughter Danique, 19, could no longer endure her psychological suffering, her mother said in an interview published Sunday, April 26, 2026. “I uncover it heartbreaking that she had to die completely alone,” Erica told De Telegraaf.
The case has intensified a growing debate in the Netherlands over euthanasia requests from young adults under 25 experiencing unbearable psychological distress. A group of psychiatrists is advocating for delays in such cases when possible, arguing that the brains of young people are not yet fully developed and that treatments currently ineffective may prove successful later.
These medical professionals emphasize that postponing decisions could reduce irreversible choices among a vulnerable age group, citing considerations around decision-making capacity, recovery potential, and ethical responsibility. Their call for a “not now” approach reflects broader concerns about balancing personal autonomy with the protection of young adults whose mental health conditions may evolve over time.
Meanwhile, families like Erica’s describe the emotional toll of waiting, highlighting the human cost behind the policy discussion. The psychiatrists’ proposal has reignited national conversation about the appropriate safeguards for euthanasia in cases of psychiatric suffering, particularly among youth.
