The federation of doctors KNMG has called the behaviour of 14 prominent psychiatrists who urged the public prosecution office to take action in the case of the euthanasia of a 17-year-old girl “indecent and unacceptable”.

The KNMG, which also arbitrates in matters of ethics, said the psychiatrists were wrong to send a letter in which they called for a criminal investigation into the parents and doctors who treated the girl.

They called on prosecutors to find out “to what extent those close to this vulnerable patient (…) influenced this young patient’s decision to choose euthanasia.

The psychiatrists had never spoken to the girl or her parents and doctors. “This action could not only potentially damage caregivers, and relatives but also undermine public trust in the profession,” the KNMG said in a strongly-worded reaction.

The case revolves around Milou, who had suffered from depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts from the age of 11 following sexual abuse. She was again sexually abused in an institution by another patient.

After years of treatment and various suicide attempts, she chose euthanasia at the age of 17 on the grounds of unbearable mental suffering.

Procedures followed

The psychiatrist who approved her decision acted in accordance with the guidelines, the Regionale Toetsingscommissie Euthanasie found.

The committee reviews all euthanasia procedures to make sure the correct procedures have been followed and reports back to the prosecution service.

However, prominent psychiatrists disagreed and wrote to the public prosecution office, questioning the right of a minor to opt for euthanasia and whether it is right to assume that mental suffering cannot be cured.

In the letter they mention the “widespread promotion of euthanasia” which in their opinion could lead to “the unnecessary death” of young patients.

The ensuing vehement discussion via social media and letters to papers lacked “respect for the parents and each other”, the KNMG said.

In a statement quoted by the Volkskrant, Milou’s parents welcomed the KNMG’s rebuke and said they await “a personal apology from all psychiatrists involved and an official rectification”.

Professor of psychiatry Damiaan Denys, who signed the letter to the public prosecution office, said the KNMG’s reaction was “unnecessary, unwise and late”, but admitted the letter may not have been the best way of calling attention to “the ease with which euthanasia is mentioned for young people with mental problems”.