In February, Peruvian Maria Teresa Benito Orihuela, 66, obtained a court sentence to have a “dignified death” due to her advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and dependence on an external respirator. However, 12 doctors at the Edgardo Rebagliati Hospital refused to disconnect the devices, citing the Religious Freedom Law and conscientious objection. As a result, the Peruvian court ruled that EsSalud, Peru’s public health insurer, must find a doctor who is willing to turn off the equipment within a week.
The case of Orihuela follows the same pattern as that of Ana Estrada, who died on April 21st after fighting a legal battle in Peru to end her own life. Estrada also suffered from a degenerative disease and faced controversy surrounding her case. The Peruvian Episcopal Conference expressed concerns about the court’s rulings and stated that euthanasia is always wrong because it attacks the inalienable right to life. Meanwhile, other Latin American countries have made advancements in legalizing euthanasia. Ecuador legalized euthanasia in February while Cuba approved it as part of their new Cuban Public Health Law in December. Colombia has allowed euthanasia since 1997 but only regulated it in 2015. Hospitals in Colombia now perform assisted suicide on terminally ill patients.
