Chilean Girl’s Plea to the President for Assisted Suicide

Cystic fibrosis causes the cells that produce mucus to become thick and sticky. The thick mucus then blocks the tubes and passages in the lungs and pancreas.

A Chilean girl pleaded President Michelle Bachelet for an assisted suicide via social media.

Valentina Maureira, a 14-year-old girl, suffers from cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder that attacks the lungs and digestive system. Cystic fibrosis causes the cells that produce mucus to become thick and sticky. The thick mucus then blocks the tubes and passages in the lungs and pancreas. Due to this incurable disease, Valentina sent a message to the president of Chile.

“I asked to speak urgently with the president, because I am tired of living with this disease. Please authorize an injection so I can sleep forever,”she said. She mentions her older brother who died from the same sickness when he was six years old. Therefore, she is aware of what will happen to her. Her mother, who supports Valentina’s judgment, said, “This is so tough, but I have to respect her decision because she’s the one who’s suffering this illness.”

Valentina’s video spread quickly throughout Chile and caused a great debate about euthanasia.

As a result, on Saturday, February 28, President Bachelet visited Valentina. Nonetheless the law in Chile illegalizes euthanasia, so Valentina’s wish could not be granted.

I agree with stance of the Chilean government. People should not get help from others to die. Each person’s life is very valuable, so people should not devalue the importance of life. Some people say the doctors should have right to help patients end their lives, but if this were legalized, doctors would have to make too many strenuous decisions. In a sense, doctors would have too much authority over his patients.

With euthanasia, lives aren’t being saved, but rather only taken.

Chaerin Lee Whitter School 8th Grade