A 14 year old girl suffering from cystic fibrosis has posted a video online requesting permission from the president to allow her to die. The case burst discussions on this particular case.
Chile’s president met with 14 year old Valentina Maureira who posted a video online asking for permission from the president to let her die. South America’s correspondent Lourdes Garcia Navarro, states the case has set off emotional and passionate discussions towards assisted suicide, since it’s illegal; they wonder how they are going to deal with it.
In the video, Valentina sits in her hospital bed, breathing from external tubes. She makes a short request to Chile’s president to allow her to die. Her speech is very moving, and her story brought many to tears. “I’m tired of living with this illness” she says. “I don’t want to be in pain anymore”. Valentina wants the president’s approval to get a shot that will make her sleep forever. She explains her little brother died of the same disease at the age of 6.
Bachelet, Chile’s president, is a licensed pediatrician and went to visit her after the video went viral. Later, her spokesman said it is impossible not to make an emotional connection with the girl’s request, however, it is impossible to grant her wish.
Euthanasia is illegal in Chile. Valentina’s father, initially said he supported her daughter’s decision. After nights of crying and struggle accepting her decision, he said she needed a liver and lung transplant to extend her lifetime. Valentina’s family and the world is moved by her courageous decision of ending her life. Unfortunately, if I must say, she is is still suffering in her hospital bed because her life is more precious than anything else.
Majo Martinez
Chile’s president met with 14 year old Valentina Maureira who posted a video online asking for permission from the president to let her die. South America’s correspondent Lourdes Garcia Navarro, states the case has set off emotional and passionate discussions towards assisted suicide, since it’s illegal; they wonder how they are going to deal with it.
In the video, Valentina sits in her hospital bed, breathing from external tubes. She makes a short request to Chile’s president to allow her to die. Her speech is very moving, and her story brought many to tears. “I’m tired of living with this illness” she says. “I don’t want to be in pain anymore”. Valentina wants the president’s approval to get a shot that will make her sleep forever. She explains her little brother died of the same disease at the age of 6.
Bachelet, Chile’s president, is a licensed pediatrician and went to visit her after the video went viral. Later, her spokesman said it is impossible not to make an emotional connection with the girl’s request, however, it is impossible to grant her wish.
Euthanasia is illegal in Chile. Valentina’s father, initially said he supported her daughter’s decision. After nights of crying and struggle accepting her decision, he said she needed a liver and lung transplant to extend her lifetime. Valentina’s family and the world is moved by her courageous decision of ending her life. Unfortunately, if I must say, she is is still suffering in her hospital bed because her life is more precious than anything else.
Majo Martinez