36 Hours Before Due Date, Constitutional Court Reverses First Decision... "Condition Seems Better Than Before"
After two attempts, Colombian woman Sepulveda (51) obtained euthanasia approval. Photo by Caracol TV, Colombia
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] A woman in her 50s from Colombia suffering from an incurable disease has gained the right to end her life with dignity after two struggles.
On the 28th (local time), according to the local daily El Tiempo, the Colombian court ordered the euthanasia procedure for Marta Sepulveda (51) to proceed the day before. It also instructed the relevant authorities to agree on the timing of Sepulveda's euthanasia within 48 hours.
This is the second time Sepulveda has been granted euthanasia permission. Colombia had previously approved euthanasia for Sepulveda in August, but reversed the decision 36 hours before the scheduled date.
In response, Sepulveda strongly protested and declared she would continue to fight to obtain the euthanasia decision. Her son also said at the time, "My mother has become as desperate and sad as before," and "We will fight for my mother's dignity." Sepulveda continued her struggle and finally secured the re-approval decision.
Earlier in July, the Colombian Constitutional Court ruled that euthanasia should be allowed not only for terminal patients facing death but also for patients with severe incurable diseases accompanied by extreme physical and mental suffering. Lou Gehrig's disease, which Sepulveda was first diagnosed with in 2018, is a degenerative disease where motor neurons are destroyed, gradually paralyzing the body and eventually leading to death.
At that time, Sepulveda, who had set her euthanasia date for the 10th, said on local Caracol TV, "I may be a coward, but I don't want to suffer anymore. I'm tired," and "After being granted euthanasia permission, peace came to my mind. I smile better and sleep well." Sepulveda's son also said, "My mother is happy."
However, before the scheduled euthanasia, the medical authorities reversed the decision, stating they would not proceed with euthanasia. The reason was that Sepulveda's condition shown in the interview appeared better than what was known at the time of the euthanasia approval decision.
With the court's recent re-approval decision, Sepulveda will soon receive a second euthanasia date. She is the first case in Colombia to be granted euthanasia despite not being a terminal patient.
In Colombia, euthanasia was excluded from punishment in 1997, and since euthanasia was legalized in 2015, 157 people have ended their lives with official permission.
Outside Colombia, euthanasia is permitted in countries such as Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain.
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