Jason J
A recent story highlights the journey of a 22-year-old woman in the Netherlands, Romy, who almost underwent euthanasia due to severe mental health struggles but made the dramatic decision to back out moments before the procedure. Romy’s case brings attention to the complexity and emotional weight of euthanasia, especially when tied to mental health issues.
In the Netherlands, euthanasia is legal under strict conditions, allowing individuals suffering unbearably with no prospect of improvement to seek it. Romy’s story underscores the intricate decision-making involved. After battling depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders, she sought euthanasia as a means to escape relentless psychological pain. Despite the rigorous approval process involving multiple doctors and a review committee, Romy had a last-minute realization of wanting to fight for her life rather than end it.
Her courage to step back from the brink illustrates the importance of offering robust mental health support and maintaining a system that respects both the autonomy of those suffering and the possibility of change in their circumstances. Romy is now advocating for awareness of mental health resources, sharing her experience to inspire hope in others facing similar struggles.
This incident also stirs debate on the ethical dimensions of euthanasia for non-terminal conditions, prompting questions about how societies can better address mental health needs without resorting to such extreme measures.
Highlights
- A 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 abuse
- Romy made bittersweet preparations for her death, from designing “life sucks” t-shirts for her loved ones to choosing a dress for her funeral
- She had a change of heart when the doctor asked her “are you sure” for one last time before administering the lethal injection.
#1 Romy, who had been approved for euthanasia after years of suffering, changed her mind moments before the lethal injection was administered
Romy first applied to the Euthanasia Expertise Center (EE) when she was 18 years old. By 22, she was granted approval for euthanasia by lethal injection.
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 her funeral.
She had T-shirts made with the slogan “life sucks” for her loved ones and tattooed June 18—the original date of the euthanasia before it was delayed by a day—on the back of her neck.
#2 The Dutch woman decided to pursue euthanasia after suffering from clinical depression and eating disorders due to childhood abuse
Romy even caught a glimpse of her coffin on 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.
“The first injection numbs your vein. The second injection will stop your breathing. After that you will die quickly,” the doctor told her,
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#3 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
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.
Just hours after she said goodbye to her friends and family, she sent them a message saying she decided not to go through with it.
“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.
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#4 When the doctor asked Romy “Are you sure?” for the last time, she tearfully chose to live
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 newspaper NRC 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 enjoyed paying rent. It gives my life meaning,” she said, laughing, when asked about what gives her hope.
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#5 “Dear all, I have changed my mind at the last minute and will not die today,” she messaged her friends and family hours after telling them goodbye
#6 Case of Backing Out of Euthanasia
In 2023, more than 9,060 people died by euthanasia in the Netherlands, making up around 5.4% of the total number of deaths (169,363), according to an annual report released by the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees.
Apart from the Netherlands, euthanasia is also legal in Belgium and Luxembourg.
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#7 Medical Services 1-Crisis Intervention Centers
#8 2-Mental Health Counseling
#9 3-Rehabilitation Programs
#10 24/7 Helplines
#11 Psychiatric Care
#12 Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acid
#13 Probiotics
#14 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
#15 Magnesium
#16 Second Opinions
#17 Enhanced Screening
#18 Crisis Intervention Plans
#19 Follow-Up Care
#20 Community Integration
#21 Restricting Immediate Access
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