Psychiatrist Jim van Os apologizes to parents of teen who died by euthanasia

Psychiatrist Jim van Os has expressed deep regret to the parents of Milou Verhoof, a 17-year-old who died via euthanasia in October 2023 due to unbearable psychological suffering. The apology follows a controversial letter sent by Van Os and thirteen other psychiatrists to the Public Prosecution Service, requesting an investigation into the parents and medical practitioners involved in the case.

Van Os stated during the program ‘Zomergasten’ that while he supports his colleagues' concerns regarding the expansion of euthanasia criteria for mental suffering, he acknowledges that the letter was ‘incredibly painful’ for the parents. He noted that he had previously offered his apologies to the family in 2024.

The parents have initiated legal action against the Public Prosecution Service to identify the signatories of the letter, seeking to hold them accountable in court or through disciplinary proceedings. While six names are known, the prosecution is withholding the identities of the remaining eight. The Hague District Court is expected to rule on this matter this Thursday.