Blogs

Ecuador becomes second Latin American state to decriminalise euthanasia

Feb 9, 2024 | Local News

February 9, 2024

Ecuador has become the second country in Latin America, after Colombia, to decriminalize euthanasia. The country’s constitutional court voted seven to two in favor of allowing doctors to assist patients in dying. This decision came after a lawsuit brought by Paola Roldán, a woman suffering from ALS, a neurological disease. Ms. Roldán argued that she wanted to end her pain and suffering with dignity. The court ruled that clinicians working to preserve the right to a dignified life would no longer be charged with homicide. The Roman Catholic Church, predominant in Ecuador, remains opposed to euthanasia. Ms. Roldán expressed relief and stated that her country had become more welcoming and dignified. However, her father expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the historic significance of the ruling but also the sorrow of potentially losing his daughter. While a bill on euthanasia must still be drafted and approved by Congress, Ms. Roldán’s lawyer believes the ruling is immediately enforceable.

Did you like this article?

Did you like this article?

0 Comments

Latest Posts

Guatemala Makes a Statement With Huge 6–0 Victory over El Salvador

Guatemala just delivered one of its biggest performances in recent memory. La Bicolor absolutely dominated El Salvador 6–0 on Monday night in Guatemala City, picking up a massive three points in the Concacaf Nations League and bouncing back in emphatic fashion after...

40 Rescued, Several Missing After Deadly Boat Disaster Off Puerto Rico

A massive search-and-rescue operation is underway in the Caribbean after a makeshift boat carrying an estimated 60 people capsized in waters west of Puerto Rico. The U.S. Coast Guard says at least 40 people have been rescued and two people have been found dead, while...

Events

Related articles