Paola Roldán, a woman who suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and who had recently managed to decriminalize euthanasia in Ecuador, died this Monday in Quito while waiting for the implementation of legislation and protocols that would regulate dignified death in the country. The death of Roldán, 42, was confirmed to EFE by sources close to the family, while her father, Francisco Roldán, told local media that Paola "died peacefully and surrounded by her close family," after Three days he lost his voice completely.
On February 7, the Constitutional Court of Ecuador ruled in favor of Paola Roldán's demand to have a dignified death, in a historic ruling where the legal framework changed so that a doctor can practice euthanasia on a patient who requests it in a manner free, informed and unequivocal, due to a condition of intense suffering resulting from a serious and irreversible bodily injury or a serious and incurable illness. With 95% disability due to ALS that she was diagnosed with three years ago, Paola Roldán could only move the muscles in her face, without greater mobility in the rest of her body.
A few days before the sentence was issued, he urged the court judges to issue the ruling, stating that he did not know how much longer he would resist. The sentence came out almost six months after Roldán presented the lawsuit before the Constitutional Court, where in a historic hearing where she appeared by videoconference, lying in her bed, assisted by artificial respiration and cared for at all times by her husband. "I have lived a full life and I know that the only thing I deserve is a death with dignity," she said at that hearing.
Paola Roldán's death occurred within the deadlines that the Constitutional Court had established to develop the regulations that would govern the right to a dignified death in Ecuador. In its ruling, the highest court of guarantees of the Andean country gave the Ministry of Public Health a period of two months to develop a regulation with the protocol for the application of euthanasia.
Likewise, the court gave the Ombudsman's Office six months to prepare a bill on euthanasia and the National Assembly (Parliament) one year to debate and issue the regulatory body.
Just a week ago, Paola Roldán had indicated on social networks that she had been working for three months on "a very important project for her", with which she sought to help people who are going through situations similar to hers, "so that they do not go through it alone." : "We are close to starting. I am sure it will have an enormous impact on patients and families, that is why I have dedicated all my passion and energy to it," she had written on March 3 to ask other ALS patients to contact her.
"It is time for people with rare and catastrophic diseases to be treated with the humanity we deserve," he added.
In a statement, which does not specify the cause or circumstances under which she ended up dying, Paola Roldán's family highlighted that "Paola's fight for the right to a dignified and compassionate death has left a lasting impact on our society."
"His bravery and determination have paved the way for a significant change in Ecuadorian legislation, allowing those facing terminal medical conditions to have the option to say goodbye with dignity and without unnecessary suffering," recalled his family, who thanked him for the "overwhelming support." of the country to Paola's cause.
"The displays of solidarity, compassion and understanding have moved us deeply and have strengthened Paola's conviction until the end. Paola left this world in peace, surrounded by her family, with an 'I love you' dedicated to those of us who accompanied her," they concluded.
For her part, Farith Simón, part of the legal team that brought Paola Roldán's lawsuit, noted on social networks that she "has left a great legacy: the right of people to decide." "We are going to miss her intelligence, determination and love for life and her loved ones," she concluded.
