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Ecuador’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday approved a terminally ill patient’s request to decriminalize active euthanasia and ordered the National Assembly to approve a law governing the procedure within
Ecuador’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday approved a terminally ill patient’s request to decriminalize active euthanasia and ordered the National Assembly to approve a law governing the procedure within one year.
Paola Roldan, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2020, petitioned the high court last August to recognize her right to euthanasia given the deterioration and pain caused by her condition.
The ruling takes effect immediately and Roldan can choose euthanasia whenever she chooses, her lawyers told reporters. In November he testified in court:
In its ruling, the Constitutional Court recognized the right of people to make free and informed decisions, including “the ability to put an end to severe suffering caused by serious and irreversible bodily injury or serious and incurable disease.”
It also stipulates that preconditions must be met to access the procedure.
Ecuador is the latest country in the region to allow euthanasia, following Cuba, which gave the green light in December, and neighboring Colombia, which allows euthanasia in certain cases.
42-year-old Roldan spoke about this on a social network.
“Today was a special moment for me,” Roldan told reporters after learning of the court’s decision, adding that he will now need time with his lawyers and family to absorb what the decision means.
“I thank everyone because today Ecuador is a country that is a little more hospitable, free and dignified,” he added.
The court’s decision also ordered the Ministry of Health to prepare regulations on active euthanasia procedures within two months, and ordered the Ombudsman’s Office to submit a bill that must be approved by the National Assembly.
Reuters. Alexandra Valencia.
Source: Aristegui Noticias
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