Ecuador becomes the second country in Latin America to legalize euthanasia

Ecuador has become the second country in Latin America, following Colombia, to legalize euthanasia. The country's constitutional court voted in favor of allowing doctors to assist patients who wish to end their lives. The court ruled that clinicians working to preserve the right to a dignified life would no longer be charged with the crime of homicide. The lawsuit was initiated by a woman suffering from ALS, a neurological disease. She expressed her desire for a peaceful rest, citing pain, loneliness, and cruelty. Although the majority of Ecuadoreans are Roman Catholic and oppose euthanasia, the court's decision stands. Colombia decriminalized euthanasia in 1997. The ALS patient who brought the lawsuit, Paola Roldán, argued against a penal code article that deemed euthanasia a crime carrying a prison sentence. The court ruled that it would be unreasonable to force someone in her situation to continue living. It stated that individuals have the right to make free and informed decisions, especially when facing intense suffering from an irreversible bodily injury or incurable illness. Following the ruling, Roldán expressed gratitude for her country becoming more accepting, free, and dignified, while acknowledging the challenging nature of fighting for human rights. Roldán's father voiced mixed emotions, acknowledging the significance of her achievement but also expressing concern for his daughter's potential outcome. The next step involves drafting and approving a euthanasia bill through Congress, a process that may take several months. However, Roldán's lawyer contends that the ruling can be immediately enforced.