The judge in charge of carrying out the sentence gave EsSalud 15 days to present a doctor who agrees to disconnect the devices. The deadline began on the 22nd. Meanwhile, the defense has already requested that a private doctor comply with the decision. The report contacted EsSalud, but received no response until the publication of this text.
Maria’s lawyer said that professionals are afraid of being marked. “There are more than a thousand doctors in the hospital network that serves Maria and who could be consulted through EsSalud, but they need to receive the correct information,” said Josefina.
Peru, a conservative country with a Catholic majority, is experiencing an intense debate about the right to a dignified death after psychologist Ana Estrada underwent euthanasia on the 21st. It was the first case authorized by the Court, despite local legislation prohibiting the practice. Ana Estrada had poliomyositis, a degenerative and incurable disease.
Maria’s situation, however, is different from Ana’s. Euthanasia consists of an active conduct, in which a lethal substance is administered to a patient. What Maria asks is to exercise the right, which is provided for in the Peruvian Health Code, to refuse to receive health treatment — in this case, the mechanical ventilator.
Have more empathy, more humanity. Do not be indifferent to the pain and suffering of others.
Request sent by Maria Teresa Benito, through the lawyer
If a doctor is told that it is euthanasia, that he will get into trouble and that he will be stigmatized, of course he will refuse. Now, if they say that they will have the support of the institution, that they will have guarantees and that their identity can be preserved, everything changes.
Josefina Miró Quesada, lawyer who represented Ana Estrada and now defends Maria Benito
