LIMA, Peru – Ana Estrada, who has been confined to her bed, says she feels “happy and satisfied” with a historic decision by Peruvian officials to allow her a standstill death, a remarkable statement in this mostly Roman Catholic country where euthanasia is illegal.
The Andean government has decided not to appeal to a court ruling recognizing her right to die.
“It’s an individual case, but I hope it’s a precedent,” Estrada, 44, told Reuters after the Justice and Health ministries decided on Tuesday to respect a judge’s ruling. entitled to a dignified death. . ”
“I think this is not only an achievement of mine, not only of my case, but also of law and justice in Peru,” Estrada said in a muffled and broken voice.
Estrada, a psychologist, has been suffering from polymyositis for three decades, a rare incurable disease that gradually attacks her muscles. She breathes most of the time with a respirator.
Estrada started a legal battle about five years ago to decide to end her own life “when the time comes.”
In many countries euthanasia is allowed, and many in Peru are strongly against it. Abortion and same-sex marriage are also prohibited in Peru. In Latin America, Colombia allows the procedure under certain conditions.
The court ruling last week states that state health insurer EsSalud provides “all the conditions” necessary for Estrada’s euthanasia, which must take place within ten working days of the date she decides to end her life.
EsSalud said it would comply with the ruling and form medical commissions to develop a protocol for such cases. The court ruling also denied that anyone who assisted Estrada in her death could face charges, although local law still prohibits people from dying.
Estrada has been writing a blog called “Ana Seeks Dignified Death” since 2016. She told Reuters she would decide to end her life if she could no longer write.
“My body is failing, but my mind and my mind are happy,” she said. ‘I want the last moment of my life to continue like this, in freedom, with peace, tranquility and autonomy. I want to be remembered that way. ”
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