The two situations, however, are different. Euthanasia consists of an active conduct in which a lethal substance is administered to a patient. Maria’s case fell into what is called adequacy of therapeutic effort — when a patient decides not to start or suspend medical treatment, allowing the disease to continue its course and a natural death to occur.
Peru’s public health system itself mistook Maria’s request for euthanasia — and, therefore, initially refused to remove the ventilator. “Maria’s request was always supported by the General Health Law, its regulations and the Code of Medical Ethics”, argued lawyer Josefina Miró Quesada in a statement. “Maria had to face an unnecessary legal process due to EsSalud’s unfounded refusal to respect her decision.”
‘Death is part of life’
In her last message, Maria thanked everyone who supported her in her fight and made it clear that she loved life.
I never felt alone. However, it was not easy at all. I want you to know that everyone has this right. No one knows what your old age will be like, but what is known is that it is not necessary to suffer or make your family suffer. (…) I love life, but not under these conditions. (…) I’m happy because I fulfilled part of my dreams and projects and I leave a legacy of two wonderful children, grandchildren and great-grandson.
Maria’s daughter hopes that her mother’s case breaks taboos on the subject and helps other patients. “Death is part of life. How can it be so difficult to talk about death if it is something so certain?”, he asked.
Tags: Peruvian woman devices turned months court authorizes death
