28-year-old Dutch woman chooses euthanasia to end mental suffering

PTC Web Desk: A 28-year-old Dutch woman, Zoraya ter Beek, has made the decision to undergo euthanasia in May due to severe mental health struggles, as reported by The Free Press. Ter Beek, who has battled depression, autism and borderline personality disorder throughout her life, feels that her mental illness is untreatable, despite having a loving boyfriend and pets.

After being informed by doctors that there were no further treatment options available to her, Ter Beek's decision aligns with a growing trend in the Netherlands, where euthanasia is legal. Increasing numbers of people are choosing to end their suffering from mental health issues rather than endure them. 

However, Ter Beek's case has sparked debate. Some argue that it highlights a concerning trend of healthcare professionals readily resorting to euthanasia for mental health problems, while others believe it grants terminally ill patients more control over their final days.

Stef Groenewoud, a healthcare ethicist at Theological University Kampen in the Netherlands, expressed concern, stating, "I'm seeing euthanasia as some sort of acceptable option brought to the table by physicians, by psychiatrists, when previously it was the ultimate last resort." Groenewoud highlighted the phenomenon, especially among young people with psychiatric disorders, where healthcare professionals may seem to give up on them more easily than before.

The procedure for ter Beek's euthanasia will take place at her home, with her doctor administering a sedative followed by medication to stop her heart, while her boyfriend will be by her side. Following the procedure, ter Beek will be cremated, and her ashes will be scattered in a designated forest spot.

Euthanasia was legalised in the Netherlands in 2001, and since then, the number of euthanasia deaths has steadily risen. In 2022, it accounted for 5% of all deaths in the country. This has led to criticism from those who believe the law encourages suicide. Ter Beek herself addressed these concerns on social media before taking a leave of absence.

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