EU official documents and statements

Dutch Woman Zoraya ter Beek Granted Euthanasia Approval in Netherlands Due to Mental Suffering

May 17, 2024, 05:40 PM

A 29-year-old Dutch woman named Zoraya ter Beek in the Netherlands has been granted approval for euthanasia on the grounds of mental suffering. Despite being physically healthy, ter Beek has suffered from chronic depression, anxiety, and trauma since childhood. She has expressed her desire to take her own life since 2020 and has tried various treatments without success. A psychiatrist determined that her depression is unlikely to improve, and she is expected to end her life in the coming weeks. This decision has sparked a debate across Europe about the ethics and implications of assisted suicide, particularly for those who are not terminally ill. Critics argue that such measures could lead to a dangerous precedent, while supporters believe it is a compassionate response to unbearable mental suffering.