Woman Plans Euthanasia on 34th Birthday Despite Physical Health

A mentally healthy Dutch woman grappling with mental health challenges has announced her intention to undergo euthanasia on her 34th birthday today.

Jolanda Fun, who has meticulously planned her funeral, shared with the Sunday Times earlier this month her desire to be euthanized by a doctor in the Netherlands due to psychiatric issues.

Reportedly, Jolanda struggles with an eating disorder, recurrent depression, autism, and learning difficulties, which manifest as feelings of darkness, overstimulation, chaos, and loneliness.

Despite having family, friends, and a beloved pet, she describes life as a constant struggle. “Most of the time, I just feel s**tty,” she said, expressing feelings of sadness, gloominess, and loneliness that she hides behind a mask.

Last year, Jolanda took to Facebook to seek a psychiatrist willing to accompany her on the euthanasia journey. She revealed her lifelong battle with depression and contemplation of death since childhood.

Despite trying various therapies and medications, she deemed them ineffective, leading her to register with the Expertise Center for Euthanasia in the Netherlands.

In June 2023, Jolanda made a post detailing her struggles and the long wait for the euthanasia process to unfold, expressing exhaustion and a sense of hopelessness.

Nearly a year later, she disclosed her decision to end her life on her 34th birthday, citing her parents’ illnesses and her lifelong struggle with thoughts of death.

Jolanda decided on euthanasia two years ago after learning that Dutch laws permitted it for psychiatric reasons. She describes the process as strict but dignified, emphasizing a painless death administered by a doctor in the presence of loved ones.

The Netherlands, alongside two other European countries, legalized assisted dying, granting individuals with debilitating or terminal illnesses the choice to die on their own terms.

In 2023, 9068 people in the Netherlands opted for doctor-assisted suicide, with reported cases quadrupling since 2005.

Zoraya ter Beek, 28, also shares her struggles with depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder, expressing exhaustion despite living in comfort with her boyfriend and pets.

Under Dutch laws, individuals seeking euthanasia for mental health reasons must meet strict criteria, including mental competence, a longstanding wish for euthanasia, and confirmation by independent doctors.

Though around one in ten requests for euthanasia on psychiatric grounds are fulfilled, the process remains highly regulated and governed by specific guidelines.

Despite the controversy surrounding euthanasia for psychiatric reasons, Jolanda remains steadfast in her decision, asserting her autonomy and the relief she anticipates from her suffering. She hopes her choice will spark conversations about mental health and end-of-life options.

As the date of her planned euthanasia approaches, Jolanda spends her final days reflecting on her life and making peace with her decision. She hopes that her story will raise awareness about the struggles faced by those with mental illness and contribute to greater understanding and empathy in society.