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The case of the euthanasia of Ana Estrada in Peru has revived the debate on dignified death. Currently, euthanasia is only decriminalized in nine countries, two of which are in Latin America: Colombia and Ecuador. Although Ana Estrada was subjected to euthanasia, this practice remains illegal in Peru. However, the bottom line is human dignity. Is it an individual decision or should it be regulated by society? We address it in this edition of El Debate.
Ana Estrada was the first person in Peru to have euthanasia performed, although this remains illegal under Peruvian law. She died at age 47, after suffering for 35 years from polymyositis, a chronic disease that causes muscle degeneration, and she was left bedridden in her final years. Ana insisted that her fight was for the defense of human dignity, including the decision to choose when to die.
In Latin America, only Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalized euthanasia. In Peru, it is still prohibited, despite the Ana Estrada case. Other countries where euthanasia is legal include Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal. Some nations have adopted other alternatives, such as advance directives, which allow people to refuse life-prolonging treatments; practice that is allowed in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and 14 states of Mexico.
The debate revolves around human dignity. To what extent can the State intervene in the life or death decisions of people with terminal illnesses? What are the ethical and legal limits of euthanasia? We discuss these questions with our guests:
– Percy Castillo, lawyer and member of Ana Estrada's legal team.
– Diego Velasco, lawyer and writer. Author of the book 'Euthanasia and dignity'.
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