Activist and psychologist Ana Estrada, who won an intense judicial fight to have a dignified death whenever it is convenient to her, opted for the medical procedure of euthanasia, and now she rests in peace.
The Peruvian woman, who was 45 years old at the time, had suffered from incurable and progressive polio for more than 30 years.
Her fight for the right to euthanasia began in 2019 and the
Social Health Insurance System (EsSalud) recently agreed to correct the observations upon the compliance protocol for this assisted procedure.
"It has been exhausting, tiring, and painful," said Estrada, in the last interview she gave in January this year to RPP Noticias.
In a statement issued on Monday, it was revealed that the activist exercised her right to a dignified death on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
"Ana died on her own terms, in accordance with her idea of dignity and in full control of her autonomy until the end," the document reads.
It states that the medical procedure was carried out in accordance with the dignified death plan and protocol applicable to Ana —approved by EsSalud— within the framework of the historic ruling issued on February 23, 2021, and ratified by the Supreme Court on July 14 and 27, 2022.
"Ana has left us grateful to all the people who helped give her a voice, who were with her through this fight and who supported her decision unconditionally, with love and empathy. In particular, she thanked the public officials who were part of the Ombudsman's Office at the time and who defended her when the institution sponsored her case," it added.
Moreover, the statement indicates that Ana's fight for her right to a dignified death has made it possible to make thousands of Peruvians visible and aware of the importance of defending this right.
Furthermore, it said, her fight has crossed boundaries and has marked a milestone in the region.
(END) KGR/RMB
Published: 4/22/2024