29 Year-Old Dutch Woman Receives Approval for Euthanasia- Is This Right?

Have you ever pondered the boundaries of medical ethics and personal autonomy? 

In a world where we strive to preserve life at all costs, the concept of Euthanasia stands as a controvertial and often misunderstood topic. The word itself, derived from the greek 'eu' (good) and 'thanatos' (death) connotes 'good death'. Though, this theory is far more complex with a fair share of arguments on both sides of this ethical divide. At the end of it all, as a society we grapple with the underlying question: Should individuals get to choose the manner and time of their demise, particularly in the midst of abysmal suffering? 

Zoraya ter Beek posing with her partner in their house in Oldenzaal, Netherlands. 

"I'm 28, and I'm Scheduled to Die in May."

Zoraya ter Beek, a 29 year-old Dutch woman residing in the small town of Oldenzaal in the Netherlands has been granted endorsement for Euthanasia as a result of her severe and ever-increasing mental health issues. She told The Free Press via text, on April 1st, 2024, that she expects to be euthanised and cremated in early May. Despite undergoing extensive treatment including therapy, medication, and over 30 electroconvulsive therapy sessions, her condition did not show significant improvement. She quoted her psychiatrist mentioned that 'theres nothing more we can do for you. It's never going to get any better.' That, is when after a decade of enduring the sufferings, Zoraya set her mind on this decision, 'I was always very clear that if it doesn't get better, I can't do this anymore."

She seemed rather keen to go ahead with this choice, which was pointed out by the tone of her texts that she and the Free Press exchanged. “I did not want to burden my partner with having to keep the grave tidy,”. “We have not picked an urn yet, but that will be my new house!,” followed by an urn emoji.

Readers also happened to notice the tatoo of a 'tree of life' on Beek's arm, which seemed ironic, although when questioned about the meaning behind it, she stated, and the Free Press quoted, it is "in reverse". “Where the tree of life stands for growth and new beginnings, my tree is the opposite. It is losing its leaves, it is dying. And once the tree died, the bird flew out of it. I don’t see it as my soul leaving, but more as myself being freed from life.” This promulgating statement made by Beek left readers disheartened, leaving them to wonder the intensity of the hardships she may have suffered. 

Zoraya posing for The Free Press on the couch in her living room.

Readers cannot help but wonder, what happens next?

Well, Beek shared her ultimate plan of how she would like things to occur. This included having no funeral, wanting "no music", and that she "will be going on the couch in her living room.", Suggesting that her liberation will take place at their house, along with the presence of two of her cats and her partner towards the end. She does not have much family and doesn't think her friends would feel like visiting, so her partner is supposed to "scatter (my) ashes in a nice spot in the woods.", that they chose together. 

When asked about her discussions with the specialists who would carry out the euthanism, and how the procedure woild be carried out, Zoraya commented that the doctor has coffee with you, converses about daily stuff to create a pleasant atmosphere. Right before performing the euthanism, they would make sure Zoraya is ready, and wish her a safe journey. To this, she exclaimed that, "I hate it if people say 'Safe Journey', I'm not going anywhere". This may revoke different outlooks amongst the society- some registering and resonating with Zoraya while wishing for a good after life, while some may criticise this call and the theory in itself. Now, the society's attitude and suggestions may not reach Zoraya, nor would it influence her decision, however it could help make her journey towards the end a bit more positive. Subsequently, to put Zoraya out of her sufferings, the doctor would administer a sedative and a drug, which would stop her heart. 

As dismaying as this situation sounds, Zoraya ter Beek's story brings to light the theories that resonate with life, as unnatural as they may sound- they exist. Ultimately, the inquiry revolving around a person's autonomy in regulating their demise remains a deeply personal and ethically conflicting issue. As we navigate through, step-by-step, into these theories that blur the limits to medical ethics, it becomes quite profound that there exist diverse perspectives, opinions, and interpretations of what a "good death" may appear to be like. All in all, Zoraya's story invites us to think more about such unconventional topics that have limitless boundaries, some of them surrounding suffering, death, and the balance between preserving life and respecting decisions. It serves as an eloquent reminder of the predicaments of life making decisions, and the need for benevolent dialogue to assist the somber nature of euthanasia. Let's keep it that way, as Zoraya herself said, "I'm not going anywhere. I'm finally going home."