For nearly four years, Zoraya ter Beek has been patiently biding her time, going through the laborious process in the Netherlands to get the green light for an assisted suicide due to what she describes as overwhelming mental suffering. Last week, ter Beek finally saw her request granted, clearing the way for her to end her life in what's expected to be just a few weeks, reports the Guardian. The controversial case has roiled Europe as people debate whether individuals with mental health issues should be able to take advantage of assisted dying.
- Rules: The Dutch law on the matter—which People notes took effect in 2002, making it the first nation to legalize euthanasia—says that, to be a candidate for assisted dying, a person must have "unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement." They also have to be deemed mentally competent to make such a decision.