Zoraya ter Beek, a 28-year-old woman from Oldenzaal, has made the difficult decision to end her life through euthanasia rather than continue living with depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder.
In an interview with The Free Press, ter Beek expressed her clear stance that if her condition did not improve, she could not bear to continue living. She described her plans for the procedure, which will take place at her home on the couch in the living room, with no music.
Despite her decision, ter Beek admitted to feeling some fear about death, as it represents the unknown.
She and her boyfriend have already chosen a spot in the woods where they will scatter her ashes after she is cremated.
Euthanasia became legal in the Netherlands in 2001, with the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act. The procedure is carried out by a physician who administers a fatal dose of a drug to patients who make an earnest and convinced request due to unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement.
Ter Beek expects the procedure to be performed in a calm and supportive manner by the doctor, helping her to feel settled and comfortable. She views it not as a journey, but rather as a peaceful rest.