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A 28-year-old Dutch woman has decided to legally end her life due to unmanageable struggles with crippling depression and autism. According to news reports, Zoraya ter Beek, who the doctors say is physically healthy, is slated to be euthanized in May.

The New York Post said Ter Beek, who does not have much family, has grappled with mental health challenges throughout her life and so, has decided to end her life, despite being in love with her 40-year-old boyfriend and living with two cats.

Ter Beek said she opted for euthanasia after her doctors told her nothing more could be done to improve her condition. “I was always very clear that if it doesn’t get better, I can’t do this anymore,” The Post quoted her.

What is Euthanasia?

Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a patient to limit the patient’s suffering. According to experts, the condition helps the patient in question who would typically be terminally ill or experiencing great pain and suffering.

The word “euthanasia” itself comes from the Greek words eu, which means good, and Thanatos meaning death.

It is often performed by administering drugs or other means to induce a painless death. Doctors say an increasing number of people are now choosing to end their lives amid a range of mental health issues like depression or anxiety, which are exacerbated by factors like economic instability, climate change, social media, and other concerns, in the Western world, which the practice is legal.

In countries where euthanasia or assisted suicide is legal, they are responsible for between 0.3 and 4.6 per cent of deaths, over 70 per cent of which are linked to cancer.

According to statistics, in the US states of Oregon and Washington, fewer than 1 per cent of physicians write prescriptions that will assist suicide each year.

What are the types of euthanasia?

Euthanasia can be classified as:

Voluntary euthanasia

In voluntary euthanasia, a person makes a conscious decision to die and asks for help to do so.

Non-voluntary euthanasia

It happens when a person is unable to give their consent since they are in a medical condition like a coma and another person takes the decision on their behalf.

Controversy

There are many controversies both for and against euthanasia and most of these arguments fall into these categories:

Morality and religion

Many believe euthanasia is murder and find it unacceptable for moral reasons. Many also argue that the ability to decide your death weakens the sanctity of life.

Physician judgement

Many argue that determining a person’s mental capabilities is not a straightforward thing to do. Many studies say doctors are not always capable of recognizing when someone is fit to make the decision.

Ethics

Some opponents of euthanasia say they are concerned about the ethical complications doctors can face.