Physically healthy 28-year-old woman will be euthanised next month
A young woman who has depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder will end her life with euthanasia.
Zoraya ter Beek, 28, lives in a small village in the Netherlands close to the German border and will take her own life with euthanasia in May.
She once dreamt of becoming a psychiatrist but could never muster finishing college.
Despite living with her 40-year-old boyfriend in a house with their two cats, she says she is now tired of living.
A psychiatrist told her ‘there’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better.’
This was the point Zoraya decided she wanted to die and told The Free Post: ‘I was always very clear that if it doesn’t get better, I can’t do this anymore.’
She is planning to be cremated, so that her boyfriend doesn’t have to clean her grave.
Zoraya said she will be euthanised on her sofa and there will be no music playing while this happens.
She explained that the doctor will first administer a sedative followed by a drug that will stop her heart and her boyfriend will be by her side at all times.
She said: ‘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.’
Zoraya doesn’t have many family members so her boyfriend will find a nice spot in some woods to spread her ashes.
She added: ‘I’m a little afraid of dying, because it’s the ultimate unknown. We don’t really know what’s next — or is there nothing? That’s the scary part.’
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalise assisted suicide in 2001.
In 2022 there were 8,720 euthanasia deaths in the country, representing 5% of all deaths there, up by 4% the year before.
In Scotland, an assisted dying bill has been drafted by Lib Dem MSP, Liam McArthur, and is expected to be debated in autumn.
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.
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