Credit: Zoraya Ter Beek
Physically Healthy Woman, 29, Who Died By Euthanasia Shared Heartbreaking Reason She Wouldn’t Have A Funeral
A physically healthy 29-year-old who decided to die by euthanasia explained the heartbreaking reason she didn’t want a funeral.
Zoraya ter Beek, from a small Dutch town near the border of Germany, made headlines news when she chose to end her own life.
In response to ter Beek’s choice, one person wrote: “Her choice, I’m sure it hasn’t been an easy decision, but the peace of going on your own terms in a peaceful and controlled manner sounds so dignified.”
Another added: “I think it’s insane that people would rather see someone alive and suffering than not suffering… at least with an assisted death we get to say our goodbyes.”
While a third penned: “I support this. I am sorry she has suffered so much. I believe telling people it’s selfish is also selfish. May you finally rest in peace.”
What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending life to eliminate pain and suffering. It’s a controversial subject, with many people having strong and conflicting views on the matter.
Stef Groenewoud, a healthcare ethicist at Theological University Kampen, told The Free Press that euthanasia has evolved from an ‘ultimate last resort’ to a more acceptable option presented by healthcare professionals.
“I see the phenomenon, especially in people with psychiatric diseases, and especially young people with psychiatric disorders, where the healthcare professional seems to give up on them more easily than before,” Groenewoud added.
Kit Vanmechelen, a psychiatrist who assesses applicants and performs euthanasia, informed the BBC she’s ‘grateful’ that euthanasia is now being offered as an ‘alternative’ to s**cide.
“The ones I know will commit s**cide are terminal in my opinion. And I don’t want to abandon my patients who are not able to go on with their lives,” Vanmechelen explained.
Why did Zoraya ter Beek choose to be euthanized?
Zoraya ter Beek, who had autism, depression, anxiety, trauma, and an unspecified personality disorder, shared that the decision to end her life was due to the unbearable nature of her condition.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world, according to the National Autistic Society.
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that causes severe symptoms, such as affecting how a person thinks or feels, or goes about their daily activities, as per the National Institute of Mental Health.
Anxiety is ‘a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness’ that is not temporary and can be overwhelming, as defined by MedlinePlus.
The 29-year-old claimed a psychiatrist told her: “There’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better.”
Reflecting on this, ter Beek said: “I was always very clear that if it doesn’t get better, I can’t do this anymore.”
As ter Beek approached her final days, she told RTL News: “I don’t want to die, but I can’t live.
“Then it’s a choice between growing old, sick, and with a lot of misery, or honouring myself and saying: I’m quitting.”
Why didn’t Zoraya ter Beek have a funeral?
Zoraya ter Beek also opened up about her decision not to have a funeral.
She planned to undergo euthanasia on her sofa and be cremated afterwards to spare her boyfriend from tending to her grave.
“I did not want to burden my partner with having to keep the grave tidy,” ter Beek explained.
The Free Press reported: “There won’t be any funeral. She doesn’t have much family; she doesn’t think her friends will feel like going. Instead, her boyfriend will scatter her ashes in ‘a nice spot in the woods’ that they have chosen together, she said.”
Ter Beek concluded: “We have not picked an urn yet, but that will be my new house!”
Related Article: Man Who Died And ‘Went To Heaven’ Shares The Three Big Lessons He Learned In Afterlife
Related Article: Parents Share Heartbreaking Reason They Supported 33-Year-Old Daughter’s Decision To Be Euthanized
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National S**cide Prevention Lifeline in the US at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
In the UK, the Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, emailing [email protected] or heading to the website to find your nearest branch.
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