Controversial: The Battle for a ‘Dignified Death’ in Peru

In February of this year, 66-year-old Peruvian woman Maria Teresa Benito Orihuela was granted a court order for a “dignified death” due to her advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, the respirator that keeps her alive has been a point of contention for 12 doctors at the Edgardo Rebagliati Hospital, who have refused to turn off the device citing religious freedom laws and conscientious objection.

The Peruvian court recently ruled that EsSalud, Peru’s public health insurer, must find a doctor willing to disconnect the equipment within one week. This decision follows in the footsteps of Ana Estrada, who died on April 21st after fighting a legal battle in Peru to end her own life. Estrada’s case was considered the first of legal euthanasia in Peru.

However, Orihuela’s lawyers have sued the court again to ensure compliance with the first decision. The Superior Court of Justice of Lima has ruled that EsSalud must present a doctor who agrees to turn off the devices by May 7th. Orihuela’s case is not unique as she follows in the footsteps of other Latin American countries such as Ecuador and Cuba which have made strides towards legalizing euthanasia. Colombia has allowed euthanasia since 1997 and it was only regulated in 2015 and now hospitals perform assisted suicide on terminally ill patients.

Despite these advancements, there are still concerns about the legality of euthanasia in some countries with religious organizations expressing opposition against it as an attack on the right to life. The Peruvian Episcopal Conference has stated that euthanasia will always be wrong because it violates an individual’s right to live.