Erika Morales, a 20-year-old Colombian woman, has drawn attention on social media after her request for dignified death through euthanasia was approved by Colombian health authorities. Through a letter, she expressed her desire for a 'dignified death,' and this request went viral on digital platforms.
The health entity EMSSANAR EPS S.A.S. has confirmed that Morales will receive palliative care and psychological support while the details of the euthanasia procedure are defined. The young woman became quadriplegic after suffering two blows to the head with bottles during an attack in 2021.
In June 2021, Erika Morales was assaulted outside a nightclub in Colombia, an event that marked her life. Her mother, Alba Morales, has been authorized to make decisions on behalf of Erika if necessary.
Erika's sister, Tatiana Morales, has expressed her support for the young woman's decision through social media. In a Facebook post, she mentioned that the family is experiencing mixed emotions but respects Erika's choice.
This case has sparked extensive debate on social media about the right to euthanasia and the availability of medical treatments for patients in similar circumstances. After waking up from a coma, Erika realized that she could not speak or move, needing assistance to breathe. The family devised a method to communicate with her using an alphabet, a pen, and a notebook.
The bottle attack left Erika in a coma for a year and seven months, drastically changing her life and leading her to make the difficult decision to request euthanasia to end her suffering.
