Victor Escobar, who first chose public euthanasia following legislation in Colombia allowed euthanasia for those without a fatal disease, accepted the death in the presence of relatives and friends. At the time of his pre-determined death, the 60-year-old said goodbye to those around him. People came with cameras to film death. Escobar was suffering from lung disease. He had difficulty breathing on his own. He also had health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. For a long time euthanasia was allowed only for terminally ill patients. Escobar was the first to receive euthanasia otherwise.
Hours before his death, Escobar said he was now receiving euthanasia as a result of his two years of struggle. Within seconds, Escobar’s lawyer confirmed his death. At the time of his death, Escobar was intoxicated and injected to death.
Colombia, a Latin American country, legalized euthanasia in 1997. In July 2021, the court granted the right to die with dignity to those who were not terminally ill. Despite being a Catholic-majority country, Colombia allowed euthanasia. The Church strongly condemns euthanasia. Escobar was also a Catholic.
Escobar’s request for euthanasia was initially rejected. The application was rejected on the grounds that it was not a fatal disease and might alleviate illness and suffering. But Escobar’s legal battle continued. Thus permission to die was obtained from the High Court. Friday, January 7 was chosen as the day of death. Friday’s death was chosen because of the opportunity for relatives to attend the funeral.
According to the authorities, 157 people in the country have applied for such euthanasia. The organization for euthanasia points out that 178 people with fatal illnesses have opted for euthanasia in Colombia since 2015.
Colombia is one of the few countries in the world where euthanasia is legal. Euthanasia is permitted in European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Spain.
