LIMA, Peru – Ana Estrada, who is confined to her bed, says she feels “happy and content” with the historic decision by the Peruvian authorities to allow her assisted death, a notable decision in this predominantly Roman Catholic country where euthanasia is illegal.
The government of the Andean country has decided not to appeal a court decision recognizing its right to die.
“It is an individual case, but I hope it will serve as a precedent,” Estrada, 44, told Reuters, after the ministries of justice and health decided on Tuesday night to respect a judge’s decision that she is entitled to “A dignified death. “
“I think it is an achievement not only of mine, not only of my cause, but also an achievement of law and justice in Peru,” said Estrada in a hushed and broken voice.
Estrada, a psychologist, has been suffering from polymyositis for three decades, a rare and incurable disease that progressively attacks her muscles. She breathes with a respirator most of the time.
Estrada started a legal battle about five years ago to be able to decide to end his own life “when the time comes”.
Euthanasia is not allowed in many countries and many in Peru are strongly opposed to this practice. Abortion and same-sex marriage are also prohibited in Peru. In Latin America, Colombia allows the procedure under certain conditions.
The court’s decision last week provides that state health insurance company EsSalud will provide “all conditions” necessary for euthanasia of Estrada, which must occur within 10 business days of the date it decides to end its life.
EsSalud said he would comply with the decision and form medical commissions to develop a protocol for these cases. The court’s decision also released anyone who helped Estrada in his death from facing charges, although local law still prohibits anyone from helping people to die.
Estrada has written a blog since 2016 called “Ana seeks dignified death”. She told Reuters she would decide to end her life when she could no longer write.
“My body is failing, but my mind and spirit 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 like that. “
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