Peruvian Psychologist Ana Estrada Dies by Euthanasia After Landmark Legal Battle

Ana Estrada, a 47-year-old Peruvian psychologist, became the first person in Peru to die by euthanasia on Sunday after winning a historic legal battle. Estrada suffered from polymyositis, a rare and incurable disease that weakened her muscles and left her bedridden, requiring round-the-clock care.

In 2022, Peru's Supreme Court granted Estrada an exception, upholding her right to decide when to end her life without fear of legal repercussions. The court's ruling made Estrada the first person to legally die by euthanasia in the country, where the practice remains illegal.

Estrada's journey with polymyositis began in her teenage years. Despite her physical limitations, she pursued a career in psychology and completed her university studies. However, by 2017, her condition had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer get up from her bed.

With the help of Peru's Human Rights Ombudsman, Estrada fought a years-long legal battle to gain access to euthanasia. In February 2021, a Peruvian court ordered health authorities to respect Estrada's decision to end her life, recognizing her right to die with dignity.

Why this matters: Estrada's case has sparked conversations not only within Peru but also around the world, challenging societal perceptions and legal frameworks regarding end-of-life care and individual autonomy. Her courageous advocacy and ultimate decision have the potential to influence the ongoing debate surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide in Latin America and beyond.

Estrada's family released a statement saying that she "loved life and wanted to continue living within the limitations of her circumstances." They added that she died "on her own terms, in accordance with her idea of dignity and in full control of her autonomy until the end."

Euthanasia and assisted suicide remain illegal in most Latin American countries, with the exception of Colombia, which legalized the practice in 2015, and Ecuador, which decriminalized it in February. Estrada's case has reignited the debate surrounding the right to die with dignity in the region and may open the way for further legal challenges and reforms.

Key Takeaways

• Ana Estrada, a Peruvian psychologist, became the first person in Peru to die by euthanasia.
• Estrada suffered from polymyositis, a rare and incurable disease, and fought a legal battle for years.
• Peru's Supreme Court granted Estrada an exception, upholding her right to decide when to end her life.
• Estrada's case has sparked conversations about end-of-life care and individual autonomy in Latin America.
• Euthanasia remains illegal in most Latin American countries, with exceptions in Colombia and Ecuador.