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A poignant and emotional story of a 22-year-old Dutch woman, Romy, has come to light just as the UK Parliament prepares for a crucial vote on an assisted dying bill later this month.
Romy, who had long struggled with clinical depression, anorexia, and the trauma of childhood abuse, found herself at the precipice of a controversial procedure—euthanasia—only to change her mind at the final moment.
Romy's journey toward seeking euthanasia began shortly after her 18th birthday when she became an advocate for her right to die. Over the course of nearly four years, Romy campaigned tirelessly before doctors, officials, and even her own family to secure approval for euthanasia. Her efforts culminated in June 2023 when she lay in a hospital bed in the Dutch city of Leiden, ready to undergo the procedure.
On that fateful day, Romy had already prepared for her death. She had seen the hearse and coffin that would soon carry her lifeless body to the mortuary, even handing out t-shirts with the words "life sucks" to commemorate the event. A clinician stood by her side, ready to administer the lethal injection, explaining the procedure: "The first injection numbs your vein... The second stops your breathing. After that, you will die quickly."
Romy gave her consent, but then, just before the doctor was about to proceed, a simple question changed everything. "Are you sure?" the doctor asked. This question, a requirement under Dutch law, is asked to ensure that the decision is final and voluntary. In that moment, Romy experienced a flood of emotions and, with her mother by her side and her brother waiting outside, she decided to cancel the procedure.
Romy’s story is timely, as the UK is currently debating a draft bill that would allow adults living with terminal illnesses to legally end their lives, under strict conditions. The bill, which is set for debate in Parliament on November 29, would permit patients to request assistance to die if they are diagnosed with a terminal illness and are expected to live for no more than six months. The decision would be subject to multiple safeguards, including approval from two independent doctors and a High Court judge.
In the Netherlands, euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal, but the circumstances are highly regulated. Healthcare professionals are permitted to administer a lethal injection at the request of patients who meet specific criteria. Other countries, such as Canada, Belgium, and parts of the United States, have also legalized assisted dying, though the regulations vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Romy’s story is viewed by some as a cautionary tale for those advocating for the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia. Professor Kevin Yuill of Humanists Against Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia (HAASE) emphasized that Romy's decision to call off her euthanasia highlights the importance of providing better care for people suffering from conditions like anorexia, rather than offering them a means of ending their life. "This is a chilling story," he told The Times, "and if the bill is passed in the UK, it could happen to people with severe eating disorders."
In the aftermath of her near-death experience, Romy has expressed a renewed appreciation for life. She now lives in communal assisted housing in Rotterdam, where she is studying adult education. Despite having applied again for euthanasia after her initial reversal, Romy now says she has found a new purpose in life through trauma therapy and consistent self-work. "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 reflected in an interview with Dutch outlet NRC.
Romy's journey has also sparked debate on the broader issue of assisted dying. Proponents argue that the bill would provide a compassionate option for those suffering from terminal illnesses. However, opponents fear that vulnerable individuals could be coerced into making the decision to end their lives, especially in cases where mental illness is involved.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk
