Maria Consuelo Cordoba, a Colombian woman severely disfigured by an acid attack from her ex-husband, is now seeking euthanasia due to persistent medical needs and financial exhaustion. Nearly a decade ago, Pope Francis reportedly encouraged Cordoba not to end her life during his 2017 visit to Colombia, promising her that the country would provide the necessary surgeries.
Cordoba, 58, who resides in Bogota, was the victim of the attack in 2000 following an argument with her then-husband. The incident left her with life-altering injuries, leading to over 80 surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, and ongoing medical treatments over the past 26 years. She currently uses tubes to aid her breathing and has a limited capacity to eat due to the injuries. Cordoba stated she is still awaiting facial reconstructive surgery and is unable to work.
In a recent interview with Colombian news outlet CityTV, Cordoba, wearing a mask over her scarred face, described her daily life of begging for money to afford her rented room. She recounted how her husband attacked her after she refused to return to their native Choco region. "When I opened the door he threw the acid at me... I didn't know it was acid because he had it in a bottle of liquor... I just thought he was drinking... When I went out he threw that liquid in my face," she said.
Cordoba's case gained public attention, with many online commenters criticizing authorities for not providing adequate assistance. Colombia's health entity, Capital Salud, has since stated that Cordoba has been approved for euthanasia and will be supported in her decision, while also vowing to guarantee her needed medical care. "María Consuelo will continue to be supported with respect, humanity and dignity... we will be available to attend to all her health needs," Capital Salud said.
Colombia was the first Latin American country to decriminalize euthanasia and is recognized for its progressive stance on assisted dying. This situation draws parallels to that of Spanish chef Ainhoa Caballero Medina, who recently sought euthanasia after suffering chronic pain from an attempted murder by her ex-boyfriend, citing a lack of support from local authorities.