Dutch law gave Oosterhoff the power to grant her request. In 2002, the Netherlands began allowing doctors to administer death to patients who make “voluntary and well considered” pleas to end “unbearable” suffering from any medical condition—provided there is no “prospect of improvement” and no “reasonable alternative” to dying. Eighteen-year-olds are adults and can request euthanasia even over family objections. Children as young as 12 are also eligible, with parental consent; for 16- and 17-year-olds, only parental consultation is required.