Utrecht

The Netherlands will become the first country in the world to regulate mercy killing by doctors under plans unveiled by its cabinet last week. Doctors will be able to meet requests from children aged as young as 12 for help to die if the bill is approved by parliament. Under the bill, euthanasia will remain a crime, but a statutory defence for doctorswill be written into the criminal code.

This will guarantee them immunity from prosecution, provided that they adhere …