In 2025, the Netherlands reported 10,341 euthanasia deaths—a record high and 6% of all deaths in the country.

Behind these numbers are alarming trends: almost 500 people with dementia, 475 with age-related conditions, and 174 with mental disorders were killed, including individuals no longer mentally competent to consent. Even more troubling, seven cases failed to meet the nation’s own “due care” standards.

Some studies suggest that the actual total may be much higher.

The Dutch experience is a grave warning: once society accepts killing as care, no life remains truly safe.