Dutch Woman's Euthanasia Decision Ignites Debate on Mental Health Care

Zoraya ter Beek's choice to end her life due to untreatable mental health issues raises concerns over the growing trend of euthanasia for psychiatric conditions.

Zoraya ter Beek, a 28-year-old Dutch woman, has chosen euthanasia due to untreatable mental health struggles, including depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder.
The decision has sparked debate in the Netherlands, where euthanasia is legal, about the growing trend of opting for euthanasia due to mental health issues.
Ter Beek's case is seen by some as indicative of a concerning trend where healthcare professionals may too readily consider euthanasia for psychiatric conditions.
Scheduled for May, the procedure will take place at ter Beek's home, with a sedative followed by medication to stop her heart. Her boyfriend will be by her side.
The Netherlands, which legalized euthanasia in 2001, has seen a steady increase in euthanasia deaths, accounting for 5% of all deaths in the country in 2022.