A 28-year-old Dutch woman has scheduled her death by euthanasia because she’s depressed.
Zoraya ter Beek is in love with her boyfriend, lives in a nice house, cherishes her two cats, and had dreams of being a psychiatrist. Delayed by depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder, she never gathered the strength to finish school or start a career, she told The Free Press.
Her psychiatrist told her, “There’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better.”
At that point, she said, she decided to die. “I was always very clear that if it doesn’t get better, I can’t do this anymore.”
Pray that Zoraya will change her mind before her scheduled death date in May.
Ter Beek stated she’ll be given a sedative and then a lethal injection at home on her couch. “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.”
She continued, “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.”
“I’m a little afraid of dying, because it’s the ultimate unknown,” she said. “We don’t really know what’s next—or is there nothing? That’s the scary part.”
The Free Press highlights one of the weaknesses with the Dutch euthanasia law:
When she’s dead, a euthanasia review committee will evaluate her death to ensure the doctor adhered to “due care criteria,” and the Dutch government will (almost certainly) declare that the life of Zoraya ter Beek was lawfully ended.
Notice how the euthanasia review committee will examine her death after she has died.
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“Right to die” legislation has many flaws but none matter as much as the ending of a human life, created and infinitely loved by God.
Zoraya ter Beek’s worth does not come from her circumstances. Her dignity is not defined by those around her who agree she should take her own life. Zoraya’s life matters because God pours out His life and love upon her.
Professor Theo Boer worked on the Netherlands Euthanasia Review Committee for 10 years but had a change of heart when he witnessed its effects. He told The Free Press:
“I entered the review committee in 2005, and I was there until 2014… In those years, I saw the Dutch euthanasia practice evolve from death being a last resort to death being a default option.”
The 2023 Netherlands euthanasia report was recently released indicating a 20% increase in euthanasia deaths for mental illness.
In Canada, euthanasia is the fifth highest cause of death, accounting for one out of every 25 fatalities. That’s ahead of common illnesses like liver disease, influenza, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
The Free Press added:
Typically, when we think of people who are considering assisted suicide, we think of people facing terminal illness. But this new group is suffering from other syndromes—depression or anxiety exacerbated, they say, by economic uncertainty, the climate, social media, and a seemingly limitless array of fears and disappointments.
No matter how sick, how stuck, how frightened, how frail, no human being should have their life cut short. Every breath is a gift from the eternal God who loves you. Please join us in praying that Zoraya encounters the love of Christ and changes her mind.
Those struggling with thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 for crisis help. We’re praying for you!
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