(Scypre.com) – Zoraya ter Beek, a 29-year-old woman from the Netherlands, has been granted her request for assisted dying due to unbearable mental suffering, marking a significant and controversial milestone. This decision, expected to be carried out in the coming weeks, has ignited a widespread debate across Europe on the ethical implications of assisted dying.
Ter Beek’s journey to this point has been arduous, spanning three and a half years and culminating in final approval under the Dutch law enacted in 2002. Her case has drawn significant attention and controversy, particularly because assisted dying for psychiatric illnesses remains relatively rare in the Netherlands, despite a gradual increase in cases. In 2010, only two such cases were recorded, but by 2023, this number had risen to 138, representing 1.5% of the total 9,068 euthanasia deaths.
An article about Ter Beek’s case published in April was widely picked up by international media, causing significant distress to her. The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of assisted dying, especially concerning individuals with psychiatric conditions. “People think that when you’re mentally ill, you can’t think straight, which is insulting,” Ter Beek told The Guardian. She acknowledged the concerns of those who fear that vulnerable individuals might be pressured into choosing death but emphasized the strict regulations in the Netherlands. “There are really strict rules, and it’s really safe.”
To qualify for an assisted death under Dutch law, an individual must be experiencing “unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement” and must be fully informed and competent to make such a decision. Ter Beek’s struggles began in early childhood with chronic depression, anxiety, trauma, and an unspecified personality disorder, later compounded by an autism diagnosis. Despite finding a supportive partner, her mental health issues persisted, leading her to seek intensive treatments including talking therapies, medication, and over 30 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
“In therapy, I learned a lot about myself and coping mechanisms, but it didn’t fix the main issues,” Ter Beek explained. After a decade of treatment with little improvement, she felt she could no longer cope with her condition. The thought of a violent suicide, influenced by a schoolfriend’s tragic death, further convinced her to pursue assisted dying instead.
The process of approval for assisted dying is thorough and rigorous. Ter Beek had to endure long waiting periods, multiple assessments, and independent reviews. Despite the complexity and length of the process, she never wavered in her decision. “Every doctor at every stage says: ‘Are you sure? You can stop at any point,’” she said. Her partner, present during many consultations, was asked to leave at times to ensure Ter Beek’s decision was made freely.
The media coverage of her case brought a torrent of unsolicited advice and criticism from around the world, particularly from the US. Ter Beek described the experience as overwhelming and distressing, leading her to delete all her social media accounts. “It was a total shitstorm. I couldn’t handle all the negativity,” she said.
As her final day approaches, Ter Beek feels a sense of relief after a long struggle. The medical team will administer a sedative at her home, followed by the drugs to stop her heart once she is in a coma, ensuring a peaceful passing. “For me, it will be like falling asleep,” she said. While she feels guilty about the impact on her loved ones, she believes that sometimes, love means letting go.