Zoraya ter Beek, 28, from the Netherlands, plans to undergo euthanasia next month despite being physically healthy. Her decision has sparked global debate on euthanasia, especially for psychiatric patients.
In the Netherlands, euthanasia is legal if a person suffers unbearably with no hope of improvement. Ter Beek qualifies due to her severe depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder, which she finds intolerable. Her case highlights the ethical concerns surrounding euthanasia for mental health conditions.
Critics argue euthanasia may be granted too easily, but ter Beek views it as a form of “liberation” rather than simply ending her life.
She plans to spend her final moments on her sofa and chose cremation to ease the burden on her boyfriend. Despite some fear, she believes the procedure will bring her long-awaited relief.
Her story fuels ongoing debates about balancing compassion and the risks of euthanasia laws.
