Zoraya ter Beek, a 28-year-old from the Netherlands, has chosen to undergo euthanasia next month, despite being physically healthy. Her decision has ignited global discussions about euthanasia, which remains a controversial issue.
In the Netherlands, where euthanasia is legal, ter Beek qualifies under the law due to her severe depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder, which she finds unbearable. Her case has drawn attention, especially amid debates about euthanasia for psychiatric patients and the ethical concerns surrounding its application.
While Dutch law permits euthanasia in cases of unbearable suffering with no chance of improvement, some argue that it is sometimes granted too readily. However, ter Beek sees it as a means of liberation rather than merely stepping into the unknown.
She has planned to spend her final moments on her sofa and has opted for cremation to ease the burden on her boyfriend. Despite acknowledging some fear, she believes euthanasia offers her relief from a life she no longer wishes to endure.