The parents of a woman who died by euthanasia aged 33 have revealed why they supported her decision.
Esther Beukema died on December 10 2021 in her childhood bed surrounded by loving family.
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She was wearing a Mickey Mouse jumper and odd socks, one belonging to her mom and one to her dad.
A nurse administered an injection to her to help her slip away, which she did five minutes after she received the injection.
Esther's parents Ellen and Rob have now given the heartbreaking reasons for them ultimately supporting their daughter's decision to die by euthanasia.
Her mom Ellen explained that while she had been supportive early on, it took her husband Rob longer to come to an understanding.
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Esther decided to die by euthanasia due to her struggling with anorexia.
In the Netherlands it is permitted for people to decided to end their lives with euthanasia due to mental illness.
This is granted under the Dutch Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act of 2002, which says that someone can be permitted euthanasia for psychiatric as well as physical illnesses if there is 'no reasonable alternative' and the patient's suffering is 'unbearable with no prospect of improvement'.
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The tension put a strain on the parents' relationship, before Rob came to an understanding and supported his daughter's decision.
Explaining why Esther decided to die this way in an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, Ellen said: "She didn’t have to die alone, she was with the people she loved. And that is what you want for everyone."
Esther had struggled with anorexia since her adolescence, and was later told she had symptoms of Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder, which is also known as Borderline Personality Disorder.
After a first application was rejected Esther applied again for euthanasia after turning 30.
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After her application was accepted she moved back in with her family to spend time together with them and to enjoy what was left of life, as well as planning her own funeral.
Rob said he knew her death was peaceful, saying: "I saw her face. No anger. Very happy."
Ellen added: "We are at peace with it, I think. For us, I think it’s the feeling that there is a life before, and a life after. It’s not that the life after is very bad, but you have to discover how to start again.
"You have to learn to see the good things and to enjoy them."
Topics: News, World News, Health, Mental Health