Sign in

Physically healthy 28-year-old woman in the Netherlands chooses euthanasia. Here’s why

“I’m a little afraid of dying, because it’s the ultimate unknown,” shared the 28-year-old woman in the Netherlands who chose euthanasia.

Published on: Apr 3, 2024, 10:07:08 IST
By
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Zoraya ter Beek, a 28-year-old woman hailing from a village in the Netherlands has decided to legally end her life. As per reports, despite being physically healthy, she chose euthanasia due to her crippling mental health struggles. She expects to be euthanized in early May this year.

The 28-year-old woman from the Netherlands expects to be euthanized in early May. (Unsplash/bretkavanaugh)
The 28-year-old woman from the Netherlands expects to be euthanized in early May. (Unsplash/bretkavanaugh)

“I did not want to burden my partner with having to keep the grave tidy,” ter Beek told the Free Press over a text message. “We have not picked an urn yet, but that will be my new house!” she added.

Talking about her mental health struggles she shared that once psychiatrists told her, “there’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better”. It is at that point she decided to opt for euthanasia. “I was always very clear that if it doesn’t get better, I can’t do this anymore,” she added. She suffers from depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder.

Also Read: Former Dutch PM, wife die ‘hand in hand’ by euthanasia

How will the process take place?

She explained that she would undergo the procedure at her own home while lying on the couch in her living room. “The doctor really takes her time. It is not that they walk in and say: lay down please! Most of the time it is first a cup of coffee to settle the nerves and create a soft atmosphere. Then she asks if I am ready. I will take my place on the couch. She will once again ask if I am sure, and she will start up the procedure and wish me a good journey. Or, in my case, a nice nap, because I hate it if people say, ‘Safe journey.’ I’m not going anywhere,” she added. Following this, the doctor will administer a sedative and a drug - which will stop her heart.

Also Read: Ecuador's high court decriminalizes euthanasia, following a lawsuit by a terminally ill patient

“I’m a little afraid of dying, because it’s the ultimate unknown,” ter Beek told the outlet. “We don’t really know what’s next - or is there nothing? That’s the scary part,” she added.

  • Trisha Sengupta
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Trisha Sengupta

    Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.Read More

Discover the latest Trending News, viral videos, social media stories and unusual events from India and around the world. Stay updated with the topics everyone is talking about.