A young woman who planned to die underthe Netherlands’ assisted dying lawsrevealed that she “changed [her] mind” at the very last minute and decided to live.
“I don’t regret the journey. Because I’ve been so close to death,” she recently said.
The Dutch system had allowedRomy(surname withheld) topursue euthanasiaafter suffering from clinical depression and eating disorders due to childhood abuse.
HighlightsA 22-year-old woman named Romy backed out of euthanasia at the last moment.The Dutch woman decided to pursue euthanasia after suffering from clinical depression and eating disorders due to childhood abuseRomy made bittersweet preparations for her death, from designing “life sucks” t-shirts for her loved ones to choosing a dress for her funeralShe had a change of heart when the doctor asked her “are you sure” for one last time before administering the lethal injection.
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Romy, who had been approved for euthanasia after years of suffering, changed her mind moments before the lethal injection was administered
Image credits:Alexander Grey / Unsplash (Not the actual image)
The fateful summer day of June 19, 2023, was chosen as the date for the young woman to die. She made her final preparations, which included painting her nails red and picking out a dress for herfuneral.
The Dutch woman decided to pursue euthanasia after suffering from clinical depression and eating disorders due to childhood abuse
Image credits:AlexanderGrey / Pixabay (Not the actual image)
Romy even caught a glimpse of hercoffinon the day she was supposed to be given the lethal injection.
Finally, on June 19, 2023, at the Leiden hospice, Romy was lying in bed while the attendant psychiatrist outlined the procedure. Her mother was with her while her brother was waiting in the hospital garden.
Romy made unique, bittersweet preparations for her death, from designing “life sucks” T-shirts for her loved ones to choosing a dress for her funeral
Image credits:fernandozhiminaicela / Pixabay (Not the actual image)
As per Dutch law, doctors are expected to receive the patient’s final consent before proceeding. So when the doctor stepped up to administer the lethal injection and asked, “Are you sure?”, Romy felt her answer shifting.
With her heart racing and tears streaming down her face, she said no.
“Dear all, I have changed my mind at the last minute and will not die today. Sorry for the panic I may have caused you,” she said.
When the doctor asked Romy “Are you sure?”for the last time, she tearfully chose to live
Image credits:AlexanderGrey / Unsplash (Not the actual image)
A year later, Romy said she wants “nothing more than to live” and has the constant support of her family, friends, and psychiatrist.
“I don’t regret the journey. Because I’ve been so close to death, I see life as something valuable. It won’t always go well, but I now know there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she told the newspaperNRC Handelsblad.
As she studies for a diploma in adult education, she revealed she is currently living in communal assisted living.
“This is going to sound crazy: I genuinely enjoyedpaying rent. It gives my life meaning,” she said, laughing, when asked about what gives her hope.
Image credits:Ben Blennerhassett / Unsplash (Not the actual image)
“My life is not a life, it is mostly survival,” she said in the interview. “I am still afraid, but I am more afraid of the life I have to lead than of death.”
Apart from the Netherlands, euthanasia is also legal inBelgiumandLuxembourg.
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm or suicidal ideation, help is available._International Hotlines _provide resources.
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