Zoraya ter Beek, a 28-year-old woman from the Netherlands, has chosen euthanasia despite being physically healthy, sparking intense global debate. “I’m stuck,” she said, referring to her long battle with severe depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder.Under Dutch law, euthanasia is allowed when suffering is deemed unbearable with no hope of improvement. Ter Beek qualifies, and her case highlights the growing controversy around euthanasia for psychiatric patients. Critics argue it’s “too readily available,” but supporters emphasize patient autonomy.

Ter Beek doesn’t view her decision as giving up but as reclaiming control. “It’s not that I want to die,” she explained. “If I could choose, I would choose a normal life. But I tried everything.”She plans a peaceful farewell, spending her final moments on the couch with her boyfriend nearby. “We just want it to be peaceful. I’ll fall asleep, and he’ll be there.”

Though afraid, she believes euthanasia is her only relief. Choosing cremation to ease the burden on her boyfriend, she says, “It’s my way of saying I don’t want to leave chaos behind.”Her story fuels ongoing discussions about mental health, suffering, and the boundaries of personal choice in end-of-life care.