Teen who pled for physician-assisted suicide changes her mind

Valentina Maureira (Photo: Facebook)

The Chilean teen who posted a heartbreaking video asking to be allowed to die has changed her mind, her father recently reported.

Valentina Maureira suffers from cystic fibrosis, and appealed to her country's president last month to ask for the right to die.

"I am tired of living with this sickness," she said in the footage, which soon went viral. "Please authorise an injection so I can sleep forever."

President Michelle Bachelet visited Maureira while she was in the hospital, and brought along Minister of Health Jaime Mañalich. Presidential spokesman Alvaro Elizaldo acknowledged that the two government leaders cannot change the law, but said the government would help in other ways.

"The health ministry is in constant contact with Valentina's family, and we will provide all the emotional and psychological support and medical treatment to improve her living conditions," he insisted.

The 14-year-old said she had a change of heart after receiving an outpouring of support from across the globe.

"There are people who have led me to change my way of thinking," Maureira told the El Mecurio newspaper.

Her father, Fredy, also confirmed that Valentina is "thinking about" choosing life.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system. The teen experiences vomiting and constant headaches, according to her father. Her brother died from the condition.

Maureira was diagnosed at the age of six, and is expected to live until age 17. Dr Andre Castillo, chief of pediatrics at Catholic University's Clinic Hospital in Santiago, said her condition is stable, and CNN Chile reported earlier this month that she has slightly improved.

The family is holding on to hope that the teen will receive a lung transplant.

News
Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.

The pope that is remembered each year on December 31
The pope that is remembered each year on December 31

In many European countries, December 31, also known as New Year’s Eve, is better known as St Sylvester’s Day or simply Sylvester, named after a pope from the time of the Council of Nicaea. This is the story …