A recent case involving 28-year-old Zoraya ter Beek has sparked a heated debate in the Netherlands. The woman, who suffers from severe mental health issues, including depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder, has decided to undergo euthanasia in May. Despite having a supportive boyfriend and pets, ter Beek feels that her illness is incurable and that euthanasia is the only way to end her suffering.
The trend of individuals choosing to take control of their final days through euthanasia is growing in the Netherlands, where it is legal. Some see this as a concerning development where healthcare professionals are resorting to euthanasia for mental health issues, while others view it as a way to grant terminally ill patients more agency in their end-of-life decisions.
The legalization of euthanasia in the Netherlands in 2001 has led to an increase in the number of euthanasia deaths in the country. In 2022, euthanasia accounted for 5% of all deaths in the Netherlands. This has fueled criticism from those who believe that the law may encourage suicide among young people and healthcare ethicists who raise concerns about its increasing acceptance for psychiatric disorders.
Ter Beek’s euthanasia procedure will take place at her home, where her doctor will administer a sedative followed by medication to stop her heart. Her boyfriend will be present during the procedure, and she will be cremated with her ashes scattered in a designated forest spot. The case has sparked discussions among the public on whether this decision reflects a concerning trend or if it provides more agency for those suffering from terminal illnesses.
In recent years, more individuals have been considering euthanasia as an acceptable option for ending their lives due to various stressors such as economic uncertainty, climate change, and social media exacerbating mental health issues. Healthcare ethicists have raised concerns about the increasing acceptance of euthanasia for psychiatric disorders among young people.
Overall, the case of Zoraya ter Beek highlights how mental health struggles can lead individuals to consider ending their lives through euthanasia. While some see this as a concerning trend where healthcare professionals are resorting to euthanasia for mental health issues
