In a landmark decision that has sparked international debate, the Netherlands has approved for euthanasia of a physically healthy, 29-year-old woman named Zoraya ter Beek, who has been battling severe and treatment-resistant depression.
Zoraya, an aspiring psychiatrist, first applied for assisted suicide in 2020, citing prolonged depression and continuous suicidal thoughts resulting from childhood trauma. Despite her hopes that a good partner and a safe living environment would help her cope with her troubling childhood memories, she saw no recovery and the suicidal thoughts continued to haunt her.
She was suffering from chronic depression, anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, and was diagnosed with autism. Her case has intensified the ongoing controversy in the Netherlands regarding the rising number of euthanasia for people. In 2010, there were only 2 cases related to psychiatric illness, but by 2023, this number had risen to 138, accounting for 1.5% of the 9,068 euthanasia deaths.
Zoraya’s case caught the attention of international media and sparked a massive public debate on social media about the severity of her illness. She responded to the discussions, criticising the widespread commentary that she can’t think straight because of her condition. She said, “People think that when you’re mentally ill, you can’t think straight, which is insulting,”. She also added, “I understand the fears that some disabled people have about assisted dying, and worries about people being under pressure to die. But in the Netherlands, we’ve had this law for more than 20 years. There are really strict rules, and it’s really safe.”.
This case has brought the issue of euthanasia for mental health conditions into sharp focus, raising questions about the ethical implications and the potential for misuse. As the debate continues, it is clear that this is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and discussion.
