The so-called "Groningen Protocol" of 2002 sets out five conditions which have to be fulfilled so that euthanasia on newborns is not a punishable offence:

1. the diagnosis and prognosis must be certain,
2. hopeless and unbearable suffering must be present,
3. the diagnosis, prognosis and unbearable suffering must be confirmed by at least one independent doctor,
4. both parents must give informed consent and
5. the procedure must be performed in accordance with the accepted medical standard.