On May 22, 29-year-old Zoraya ter Beek ended her life in the presence of a doctor and her partner. A week earlier, after 3.5 years of efforts, she had been granted approval for euthanasia. The reason for the Dutchwoman’s decision was her incurable mental disorder and illness.

Zoraya ter Beek ended her life at her home in the Dutch town of Oldenzaal. Her euthanasia involved the administration of a heart-stopping drug by a doctor. Her partner accompanied her during this process. Respecting her wishes, no funeral arrangements will be made. Her body will be cremated, and her partner will scatter her ashes in a forest. The Dutch website ad.nl reported on ter Beek's death, noting that passing away with dignity was her sole wish.

Many Polish and foreign media headlines describe Zoraya ter Beek as "physically healthy" and "sane". However, Zoraya had been dealing with drug-resistant depression, anxiety, and personality disorders since childhood, in addition to being on the autism spectrum. Psychiatrists and psychologists confirmed that they were unable to alleviate her daily suffering. Zoraya repeatedly emphasised that she did not consider herself "sane".

In an interview with the Guardian shortly before her death, Zoraya ter Beek explained: "Cases like mine are controversial. People think that when you’re mentally ill, you can’t think straight, which is insulting. 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."

In the same interview, the young woman told how her passing would be handled: "They’ll start by giving me a sedative, and won’t give me the drugs that stop my heart until I’m in a coma. For me, it will be like falling asleep. My partner will be there, but I’ve told him it’s OK if he needs to leave the room before the moment of death."

Source: ad.nl, theguardian.com