The Push for Euthanasia and Assisted Dying in Chile: A Tangled Web of Politics and Public Opinion
Woman with Muscular Dystrophy Faces Euthanasia Controversy in Public Spotlight
Meet Susana Moreira - a woman grappling with degenerative muscular dystrophy, stuck in a tragic limbo as she awaits the day her voice fades, her lungs fail, and Chile's archaic laws prevent her from choosing a peaceful end.
A battle that's been raging for over a decade, Moreira finds herself as the poster child for the long-overdue debate on euthanasia and assisted dying in Chile. The irony? A progressive, left-leaning government, helmed by President Gabriel Boric, has vowed to tackle this issue head-on before the upcoming presidential election.
Chile has been wrestling with the question of life and death ever since Moreira's fellow congress member, Vlado Mirosevic, first introduced a bill on the subject back in 2014. Despite being a predominantly Catholic population and the Church's strong influence at the time, the proposal was met skepticism and fierce resistance.
Yet, the tide has turned. A shift in public sentiment has given rise to greater openness towards discussing sensitive issues. Recent surveys show staggering support for euthanasia and assisted dying. According to a Cadem survey from last year, a whopping 75 percent of the Chilean population backs euthanasia, while a study by the Center for Public Studies from October reveals that as many as 89 percent of Chileans believe euthanasia should be allowed, either always or in special cases.
But do these numbers guarantee a swift passage for the bill? Absolutely not, as the complexities of political maneuverings and ethical debates continue to cloud its future. The opposition remains staunch, including within the medical community, who argue for better palliative care coverage before discussing euthanasia laws. They fear the absence of legal medical options could drive patients towards dangerous, unregulated alternatives.
For now, Moreira finds herself caught in the crossfire, her survival hanging in the balance as she fights for the right to end her days with dignity. As she puts it, "I don't want to live plugged into machines... Knowing that I have the opportunity to choose, gives me peace of mind." If Chile is to truly embrace progress, it must heed her call - and fast. 👷🏼♂️🌐🚀💉💔💪🏻🌈💖 Sex, drugs, and protest were not requested.
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