Peruvian Psychologist Becomes First Person to Die with Medical Assistance
LIMA, Peru – In a groundbreaking ruling, Ana Estrada, a Peruvian psychologist, has become the first person in the country to exercise the right to die with medical assistance. Estrada, who suffered from polymyositis, an incurable disease that weakens the muscles, fought a courageous battle for years in Peruvian courts to bring attention to the right to die with dignity, despite euthanasia and assisted suicide being illegal in the conservative country.
A Long and Arduous Struggle
Estrada’s journey began in 2022, when the nation’s Supreme Court granted her an exceptional ruling, upholding a lower court’s decision to give her the authority to determine the timing of her own death. This milestone ruling ensured that those who assisted Estrada would not face punishment in any form. In her quest for the right to die with dignity, Estrada not only succeeded in changing perceptions within Peru but also educated thousands of Peruvians about this fundamental human right.
Estrada, who was 47 years old, was diagnosed with polymyositis during her teenage years and gradually lost strength, eventually leading her to use a wheelchair. However, this did not deter her from pursuing her dreams. She successfully obtained a psychology degree and even became a therapist, gaining enough financial independence to purchase her own apartment and break free from her reliance on her parents. Though her condition worsened in 2017, leaving her bedridden, she demonstrated resilience in utilizing transcription software and explored her thoughts on a blog titled “Ana for a Death with Dignity,” where she candidly shared her struggles and made her decision to seek euthanasia known.
A Fight for Freedom and Justice
Estrada’s unwavering determination caught the attention of Peru’s Human Rights Ombudsman, leading to a legal battle that ultimately secured her the right to end her suffering. Despite her physical constraints, she actively participated in court sessions via video conferences from the confines of her bed. In 2022, she expressed her deep appreciation for life and her desire for the freedom to decide when to bid farewell to her loved ones peacefully.
Global Perspective on Euthanasia
Euthanasia remains a controversial topic worldwide. Only a handful of countries, including Canada, Belgium, and Spain, have legalized the practice. In some U.S. states, such as Maine and Oregon, physician-assisted suicide is permitted for terminally ill patients. However, most Latin American countries still consider euthanasia illegal, except for Colombia, which legalized it in 2015, and Ecuador, which decriminalized it in February.
Estrada’s recognition as the first person in Peru to exercise the right to die with medical assistance highlights the evolving global perspective on end-of-life choices. It serves as a significant achievement toward promoting discussions on euthanasia and advocating for the rights of individuals to make such deeply personal decisions.
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