Physically healthy Dutch woman Zoraya ter Beek, 29, granted euthanasia approval over her severe depression

‘I feel relief. It’s been such a long fight,’ says Zoraya ter Beek, who applied for euthanasia three and a half years ago.

A 29-year-old Dutch woman, Zoraya ter Beek, has been granted assisted dying (euthanasia) due to unbearable mental suffering. This decision, under the Netherlands' 2002 law, has sparked debate, especially as cases involving psychiatric illnesses are relatively rare but increasing.

Ter Beek's story highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding assisted dying for mental health conditions. Despite facing immense distress and international scrutiny, she remains firm in her decision, emphasizing the strict rules and safety measures in place in the Netherlands for such procedures.

Zoraya ter Beek will die at the home she shares with her partner.

Her journey began with childhood difficulties and a range of mental health issues, including chronic depression, anxiety, trauma, and autism. Despite intensive treatments over a decade, including electroconvulsive therapy, she found no improvement and reached a point where she felt unable to cope with life.

The process for assisted dying in the Netherlands involves thorough assessments and multiple consultations with medical professionals to ensure the person's informed consent and eligibility based on unbearable suffering with no hope of improvement.

Zoraya ter Beek, (pictured) who lives in a small village in the Netherlands, suffers from depression and has autism and a borderline personality disorder. She has decided to end her life by euthanasia after a psychiatrist told her 'there's nothing more we can do for you' and that 'it's never gonna get any better'

Ter Beek's decision, though difficult, is one she has never wavered from, despite feeling guilt and fear. The support of her partner and medical team has been crucial throughout this process, with every step ensuring her autonomy and choice.

As she prepares for the procedure, she expresses a mix of emotions, including relief and guilt, but also a sense of peace and readiness for what lies ahead.

On the day of her death, her medical team will visit her at her home and begin the process by giving her a sedative and once she is in a coma, ter Beek will be given the drugs that stop her heart.