A 28-year-old Dutch woman, Zoraya ter Beek, has chosen to end her life next month due to her enduring struggles with depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. The decision comes after her psychiatrist conveyed that her condition was unlikely to improve, leaving her feeling hopeless despite her otherwise physically healthy state.
Residing in a quaint Dutch town near the German border, ter Beek, along with her boyfriend and two cats, inhabits a comfortable home. However, her internal battles have led her to conclude that life has become unbearable. Once aspiring to become a psychiatrist herself, ter Beek’s dreams were thwarted by her own mental health challenges, preventing her from completing her education or embarking on a career.
Speaking to The Free Press, ter Beek revealed her poignant perspective, encapsulated by a tattoo on her arm symbolizing a “tree of life” in reverse, signifying her perception of life’s decline rather than growth. “Where the tree of life stands for growth and new beginnings, my tree is the opposite,” she expressed, highlighting her profound sense of despair.
Ter Beek’s decision was solidified when her psychiatrist conveyed, “There’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better,” an admission that left her with a stark realization of the permanence of her suffering.
As she prepares for her final moments, ter Beek plans to recline on her living room couch in silence, accompanied by her devoted boyfriend. Reflecting on the euthanasia process, she described a serene atmosphere created by the attending doctor, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful transition.
Following her passing, a euthanasia review committee will scrutinize the circumstances to ensure adherence to due care criteria, underscoring the meticulous regulatory framework surrounding euthanasia in the Netherlands.
In the absence of a traditional funeral, ter Beek’s ashes will be scattered in a forest, a symbolic gesture reflecting her desire for simplicity and her wish to spare her partner from the burden of tending to a grave.
Despite her resolute decision, ter Beek admits to harboring fears about the unknown realm of death, contemplating the uncertainty of what lies beyond.
The Netherlands, a pioneer in euthanasia legislation since 2001, continues to grapple with the ethical complexities of end-of-life choices, a debate mirrored in other countries where assisted dying laws are in place.
Theo Boerin, a healthcare ethics professor, offers insight into the evolution of Dutch euthanasia practices, noting a shift from viewing death as a last resort to it becoming a default option, a transformation that has sparked vigorous debate within the medical and ethical spheres.
Ter Beek’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound dilemmas posed by mental illness and euthanasia, igniting discussions about compassion, autonomy, and the boundaries of medical intervention in the face of enduring suffering.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
