Colombian Victor Escobar became the first person in the country with a non-terminal illness to die by legally regulated euthanasia, his lawyer confirmed.
"We reached the goal for patients like me, who aren't terminal but degenerative, to win this battle, a battle that opens the doors for the other patients who come after me and who right now want a dignified death," Escobar, 60, said in a video message sent to media by Giraldo.On Saturday, a second Colombian -- a woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease -- was also euthanized.
Escobar had fought two years for his right to euthanasia in the face of opposition from doctors, clinics and courts, even though the Constitutional Court last year recognized the procedure should not be available just for the terminally ill.Spain approves euthanasia lawOn Saturday, Martha Sepulveda underwent the procedure in the city of Medellin at midday; DescLAB -- who supported her case -- said in a statement.