Euthanasia approved for young woman who became quadriplegic after being hit in the head with bottles

Erika Morales , a 20-year-old woman, has attracted a lot of attention on social media due to the news that Colombian health authorities have approved her request for a dignified death by euthanasia . Morales became quadriplegic after suffering two blows to the head with bottles during an attack that occurred in 2021.

In June 2021, when Erika Morales was 17, she was attacked outside a nightclub in Colombia. The impact of the bottles left her in a coma for a period of one year and seven months. When she regained consciousness, she realized that she could not speak or move and that she needed mechanical assistance to be able to breathe.

Due to her health condition, her family developed a method to talk to her using a “printed alphabet, a pen and a notebook.” Through this system, Morales wrote a letter expressing her desire to have a “dignified death,” a request that was widely disseminated on social media.

The health entity EMSSANAR EPS SAS has assured that Morales will continue with palliative care and psychological support while the date and details of the procedure are established. It was also notified that his mother, Alba Morales, has been authorized to make decisions on his behalf if required.

Erika's sister, Tatiana Morales, expressed her support for the young woman's decision on social media. In a Facebook post, she said that her family is facing the situation with mixed emotions, although they respect Erika's choice.

The issue has sparked a lengthy debate on social media about the right to euthanasia and the availability of medical treatments for patients in similar situations.