Physically Healthy 29-Year-Old Explained Why She Chose To Be Euthanized Despite Being Afraid To Die

Euthanasia refers to intentionally ending a person’s life to relieve pain and suffering. Different countries set their own rules and medical standards for when and how it can happen.

The subject divides opinion and often sparks intense debate.

In recent years, a physician nicknamed Dr. Death went viral for showcasing “suicide capsules,” devices intended to provide a quick, painless death for people seeking that option.

News that a physically healthy young woman chose euthanasia made international headlines.

Zoraya ter Beek lived in a small village in the Netherlands near the German border.

Although she was in good physical health, she decided to end her life in May 2024 under the country’s euthanasia framework.

Her decision ignited a wave of reactions online from people with very different views.

One commenter wrote: "I am a supporter of the right to die and death with dignity IF the person is terminally ill and is suffering. I always thought that Sweden and the Netherlands were ahead of their time when these laws were created."

Another person added: "This is heartbreaking, but her body, her choice, it's as simple as that. I can understand her choice. I'm lucky that I found medication which at least takes the edge off."

Zoraya ter Beek, 29, chose to be euthanized, despite being physically healthy. X

A third voice agreed and said: "I give her SO much credit. A person KNOWS when they have had enough. She is done. Pure and simple. I wish her a safe and smooth transition. This woman is a hero."

Others disagreed with ter Beek’s choice, with one person writing: "You are a beautiful young woman and can do whatever you want, but suicide is not the way to go. You can find other options, don't waste your life that others would love to have."

In the Netherlands, euthanasia is governed by the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act, passed in 2001 and effective from 2002, according to Alliance VITA. The law sets strict criteria and review processes for doctors and patients.

The Netherlands is one of the few countries where euthanasia is legal. Alamy

"In 2022, there were 8,720 reported cases of euthanasia in the Netherlands. This is an increase of around 1,000 of such cases compared to the previous year and the highest in the recorded time period," per Statista.

By 2023, reported euthanasia cases in the Netherlands reached 9,068, marking the highest annual total on record.

The Government of the Netherlands further notes: "Euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal only if the criteria laid down in the Dutch Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act are fully observed. Only then is the physician immune from criminal prosecution."

"Requests for euthanasia often come from patients experiencing unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement. Their request must be made earnestly and with full conviction. They see euthanasia as the only escape from the situation."

"However, patients have no absolute right to euthanasia and doctors no absolute duty to perform it."

Stef Groenewoud, a healthcare ethicist at Theological University Kampen, told The Free Press: "I'm seeing euthanasia as some sort of acceptable option brought to the table by physicians, by psychiatrists, when previously it was the ultimate last resort."

Euthanasia in the Netherlands was legalized in 2001 and took effect in 2002. Alamy

"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."

Ter Beek lived with autism, depression, anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). She said those conditions made life unbearable and that she no longer wished to continue.

She told The Free Press that her psychiatrist had said: "There's nothing more we can do for you. It's never gonna get any better."

"I was always very clear that if it doesn't get better, I can't do this anymore," Beek said.

Before her death, she shared that she wanted the procedure to take place on her couch and to be cremated afterward so her boyfriend would not have to maintain a grave.

"The doctor really takes her time. It is not that they walk in and say, 'Lay down, please!'. Most of the time it is first a cup of coffee to settle the nerves and create a soft atmosphere," ter Beek said.

The 29-year-old wanted to be euthanized on her sofa. Zoraya ter Beek

"Then she asks if I am ready. I will take my place on the couch. She will once again ask if I am sure, and she will start up the procedure and wish me a good journey. Or, in my case, a nice nap, because I hate it if people say, 'Safe journey'. I'm not going anywhere."

She added: "I'm a little afraid of dying because it's the ultimate unknown. We don't really know what's next ≠ or is there nothing? That's the scary part."

"I don't see it as my soul leaving, but more as myself being freed from life."