Coalition party NSC has called for an investigation into the growing number of requests for euthanasia from people with mental health problems – young women in particular.

In total, 456 people were given euthanasia for “unbearable mental suffering” between 2000 and 2023, of whom 52 were under the age of 30, according to government figures. Of those, 43 cases involved young women, the youngest of whom was 16 at the time.

NSC MP Rosanne Hertzberger has now told Christian newspaper Nederlands Dagblad that the trend is worrying and she wants to highlight the matter in a parliamentary debate.

An investigation would have to shed more light on possible copycat behaviour caused by sensationalist media attention for young people who have a death wish or whose euthanasia request has been granted, she said.

There have been several high profile cases involving young women in recent months, including one which led to a public dispute between psychiatrists.

Hertzberg said euthanasia expertise centre and regional mental health organisations signal a significant rise in requests following press attention.

A media guideline to avoid detailed reporting could help, she said. A similar guideline is already in place regarding suicides, with a reference to suicide prevention number 113.

The NSC MP also wants more research into the underlying reasons for the euthanasia requests in cases of mental suffering. She pointed to long GGZ waiting lists which mean people, including youngsters, with mental health issues have to wait a long time for treatment.

She also called for a committee which would look into the criteria for “hopeless” (ie without a possibility of a cure, DN) suffering and the role of doctors who do not always agree. Alternative solutions for youngsters would also have to be investigated further, she said.

Hertzberger put the issue on the parliamentary agenda on Friday which means the cabinet will have to give an official reaction which MPs will discuss later during a debate.