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Chilean woman grapples with muscular dystrophy, sparks senate debate on euthanasia as legislation stalls

As right-wing populism escalates in prominent democracies, Chile's leftist administration is moving in a contrasting path, taking on controversial, liberal social matters during its final months in office.

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5 min read

Chilean woman grapples with muscular dystrophy, sparks senate debate on euthanasia as legislation stalls

Going Gently: Chile's Proposed Euthanasia Law and the Fight for a Dignified End

Santiago, Chile (Unfiltered News) - Suffering, it's the only certainty for Susana Moreira, a 41-year-old Chilean woman diagnosed with degenerative muscular dystrophy. Bedridden for two decades, she yearns for the freedom to choose when her ordeal ends. As the public face of Chile's decade-long campaign for euthanasia, she finds herself at the heart of a contentious debate that has taken more than a decade to unfold.

Moreira's story, raw and compelling, has captivated the nation. With her legs refusing to walk, and her body wasting away, she's determined to voice her desire for euthanasia, which is currently illegal in Chile.

In April 2021, a bill that would grant euthanasia and assisted suicide for those above 18 suffering from terminal or incurable illnesses was approved by Chile's Chamber of Deputies. However, it's since been stalled in the Senate, causing frustration and concern for Moreira and others like her. The bill, if approved, would make Chile one of the few countries worldwide to allow both euthanasia and assisted suicide, joining nations like the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Spain, and Australia.

Chile would also become the third Latin American country to tackle the issue, following Colombia's established regulations and Ecuador's recent decriminalization, which is yet to be fully implemented due to a lack of regulation.

"I don't want to live plugged into machines, I don't want a tracheostomy, I don't want a feeding tube, I don't want a ventilator to breathe. I want to live as long as my body allows me," Moreira told us from her house in southern Santiago. "When the time comes, I need the euthanasia bill to be a law."

President Gabriel Boric, who has pledged to address the issue before his term ends, made Moreira's letter public to Congress in June and expressed his intention to prioritize passing the euthanasia bill. "Passing this law is an act of empathy, responsibility, and respect," he said.

However, political turmoil has since cast a shadow of uncertainty on the bill's progress. As Chile's leftist government grapples with ongoing upheavals, Moreira's plea for a dignified end may yet take longer to materialize.

Myriad voices have risen in support of the bill, revealing a shift in public opinion that may finally be opening the door to a long-awaited conversation. Recent surveys show that 75% of Chileans support euthanasia and assisted dying, with 89% believing the procedures should be allowed in some cases, according to a study by the Center for Public Studies.

"There was a change in the mood, and today there is a scenario where we have an absolute majority support for the euthanasia bill," said Representative Vlado Mirosevic, from Chile's Liberal Party, who first presented the bill for euthanasia and assisted dying in 2014.

Despite this groundswell of approval, the issue remains deeply divisive, particularly among medical professionals.

"Only when all palliative care coverage is available and accessible, will it be time to sit down and discuss the euthanasia law," said Irene Muñoz Pino, a nurse, academic, and advisor to the Chilean Scientific Society of Palliative Nursing.

Others argue that the absence of a legal medical option for assisted dying could lead patients to adopt riskier, unsupervised alternatives.

"Unfortunately, I keep hearing about suicides that could have been instances of medically assisted death or euthanasia," said Colombian psychologist Monica Giraldo.

With less than a year remaining for the leftist government to pass the bill before Chile's November presidential elections consume the political agenda, time is running out for Moreira and others who seek the right to choose a peaceful end.

"A sick person isn't certain of anything; the only certainty they have is that they will suffer," Moreira said. "Knowing that I have the opportunity to choose, gives me peace of mind."

  1. The debate over euthanasia in Chile has been ongoing for over a decade, sparked by the case of Susana Moreira, a Chilean woman suffering from degenerative muscular dystrophy.
  2. Moreira, deskbound for two decades, advocates for the legalization of euthanasia, a right currently unavailable in Chile.
  3. In April 2021, a bill approving euthanasia and assisted suicide for terminally or incurably ill individuals aged 18 and above was passed by Chile's Chamber of Deputies.
  4. This bill, however, has been held up in the Senate, causing frustration for Moreira and others in similar circumstances.
  5. Chile's proposed euthanasia law, if passed, would make the country one of the few globally to legalize both euthanasia and assisted suicide, joining nations like the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Spain, and Australia.
  6. Chile would also become the third Latin American country to address such matters, following Colombia and Ecuador's recent actions.
  7. Moreira expresses her desire not to live on machines, but to live as long as her body allows, with the option for euthanasia when the time comes.
  8. Chile's President Gabriel Boric has vowed to address the issue before his term ends and has publicized Moreira's plea to Congress.
  9. Political turmoil within Chile's government has cast doubt on the bill's progress, potentially delaying Moreira's wish for a dignified end.
  10. A survey by the Center for Public Studies reveals that 75% of Chileans support euthanasia and assisted dying, with 89% believing these procedures should be allowed in certain cases.
  11. Representative Vlado Mirosevic, who originally proposed the bill in 2014, attributes the shift in public opinion to a climate of greater acceptance.
  12. Despite this shift, the issue remains divisive, particularly within the medical community.
  13. Irene Muñoz Pino, a nurse, academic, and advisor to the Chilean Scientific Society of Palliative Nursing, advises waiting until all palliative care coverage is available and accessible before considering euthanasia laws.
  14. Others fear that the absence of a legal medical option could lead patients to adopt riskier, unsupervised alternatives.
  15. Colombian psychologist Monica Giraldo expresses concern over suicide cases that could have been managed through medically assisted death or euthanasia.
  16. With Chile's November presidential elections approaching, time is running out for the government to pass the bill.
  17. Moreira's resolve is unwavering, stressing that a sick person's only certainty is suffering, and knowing she has the option for euthanasia helps give her peace of mind.
  18. The euthanasia debate in Chile serves as a reminder of the importance of discussing and addressing medical decisions from a place of empathy, responsibility, and respect.
  19. Advances in science and medical technology have expanded our understanding of chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, and mental health disorders.
  20. Improvements in health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and various therapies and treatments have also contributed to better cardiovascular health.
  21. Effective management of personal finances, wealth management, and debt management are key aspects of enabling people to focus on their health and well-being.
  22. Personal growth, mindfulness, productivity, and career development can all contribute to overall health and quality of life.
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  24. A healthy mind is an essential component of overall health, with mental health being as important as physical health.
  25. The job market is increasingly competitive, necessitating skills training and up-to-date knowledge to ensure career success.
  26. Job search strategies, goal-setting, and continuing education can all play a role in professional advancement.
  27. Sports, such as football, baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, and racing, provide opportunities for physical activity, camaraderie, and personal growth.
  28. American football, basketball, golf, tennis, and various auto-racing disciplines, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Grand Prix, Formula One, and horse racing, are popular sports around the world.
  29. Mixed martial arts also attract a large following, showcasing the diversity and complexity of combat sports.
  30. Weather forecasting and sports analysis help fans stay informed about their favorite teams and events, enhancing the overall sports experience.
In the face of rising right-wing populism among prominent democracies, Chile's leftist administration is swiftly moving in a contrasting direction, tackling controversial, liberal social matters during its final days in power.
As right-wing populism experiences a surge in prominent democratic nations, Chile's leftist administration is swiftly moving in the opposite direction, tackling contentious, liberal societal matters during its final months in office.

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