Court Orders Prosecutors to Reveal 14 Doctors Behind Euthanasia Letter

A court in The Hague has ordered Dutch prosecutors to give the parents of a teenager the complete names of 14 doctors who signed a controversial letter about her euthanasia.

Milou died through euthanasia in 2023 when she was 17 years old. She had experienced serious mental health problems and was considered to be suffering unbearably with no prospect of improvement.

In 2024, prosecutors received a letter titled “derailing discourse on euthanasia for psychological suffering harms vulnerable patients.”

The 14 doctors who signed the letter were mainly psychiatrists.

They questioned whether Milou’s parents and the psychiatrists involved in her care influenced her decision to request euthanasia.

They also suggested that Milou may not have been fully capable of making a decision about her right to life.

The letter later became public, but the names of eight doctors remained hidden. Milou’s parents already knew the identities of six signatories.

The parents said the letter contained unfounded accusations that damaged their reputation and affected their grieving process.

They were also reportedly subjected to threats and intimidation after the letter was leaked.

The Public Prosecution Service, known as the OM, refused to disclose the remaining names. It argued that protecting the doctors’ privacy was more important than releasing the information.

However, judges ruled that it was “unreasonable to refuse to provide the letter containing names to the parents.”

The court said the parents have a “compelling interest” in knowing who signed it.

Prosecutors must provide the original letter, including all 14 names, within five working days.

The names are not being released to the general public.

The parents may use the document only to begin disciplinary or civil proceedings against the doctors or to file a criminal complaint.

The regional euthanasia review committee previously concluded that the psychiatrist who approved Milou’s request followed the required guidelines.

The committee examines euthanasia cases to determine whether doctors followed the legal procedures.

HELP AND SUPPORT

Anyone in the Netherlands experiencing suicidal thoughts can contact 113 Suicide Prevention by calling 113 or the free number 0800-0113. Support is also available through 113.nl.