Zoraya ter Beek, who once dreamed of becoming a psychiatrist, is scheduled to be euthanized in May, despite being in love with her boyfriend and living with two cats. She struggles with severe depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. She was told by doctors: “There’s nothing more we can do. It’s never going to get any better,” the Free Press reported.
Zoraya, 28, said she knew for sure she couldn’t do much more if her mental health didn’t improve.
According to a report in the Free Press, many people have taken their own lives while suffering from many other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, which have been amplified by issues such as economic uncertainty, climate change and social media. It is said that an increasing number of people are deciding to quit.
Steph Groenewood, a medical ethicist at the Theological University of Kampen in the Netherlands, said he now sees euthanasia as something of an acceptable option, whereas it used to be the ultimate last resort.
“I see euthanasia as a sort of acceptable option, suggested by doctors and psychiatrists, whereas previously it was the ultimate last resort,” she said.
Before her death, Zoraya had made plans for euthanasia, who would accompany her in her final moments, and where she would be cremated.
Expanding
“Then she asks me if I’m ready. I sit on the couch. She asks me again if I’m sure, begins the process, and wishes me well on my journey.” Or in my case, a nice nap, because I hate it when people call me “travel safe.” I’m not going anywhere. ”
There will be no funeral service. Ter Beek, who doesn’t have much of her family, said her boyfriend would scatter her ashes in a “nice spot in the woods” of his own choosing.
According to Dutch media, in 2022 there will be 8,720 deaths due to euthanasia in the Netherlands, representing about 5% of all deaths in the country, up from 4% the previous year.