Fundraiser of parents of 17-year-old Milou who died by euthanasia hits €30,000

A crowdfunding campaign for parents of 17-year-old Milou Verhoof from Bavel, who was euthanized in 2023, has reached 34,000 euros on Monday. The campaign was launched on Saturday, October 24. Milou’s parents have filed a disciplinary complaint against 13 out of the 14 doctors who expressed their support for a preliminary criminal investigation into the role of parents and care providers in Milou’s death.

The public call for support of the parents, Mireille and Louis, to pay the cost of the disciplinary case was signed by a group of 21 individuals from diverse backgrounds. Among them are Dutch Association for a Voluntary End of Life (NVVE) board member Fransien van ter Beek, brain researcher Dick Swaab, writer Bert Keizer, former judge Theo Matthijssen, and several family members.

The preliminary criminal investigation requested by the 13 doctors was intended to focus on the question of “the extent to which the relatives of this vulnerable patient, in cooperation with the psychiatrists involved in the euthanasia, influenced the young patient in her decision to choose euthanasia.” Milou’s parents consider this request unacceptable. Some members of the medical community have also responded critically.

The disciplinary proceedings have reportedly already cost the parents tens of thousands of euros, and the expenses are expected to increase considerably. Milou's parents have also received multiple death threats.

The people supporting the crowdfunding campaign believe it is unjust for the parents to bear these costs alone. One of the signatories said Mireille and Louis Verhoof deserve “our financial and moral support because, through this case, they are fighting for justice and the enforcement of professional standards for doctors to protect vulnerable patients, their relatives, and their healthcare providers."