Laura Fernández Abalde: A Dignified Farewell After a Long Fight for Euthanasia

In a poignant and highly publicized case, Laura Fernández Abalde, a 67-year-old resident of Beade in the province of Vigo, Spain, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, after receiving the euthanasia she had fervently advocated for and fought to obtain.

A Terminal Illness and the Quest for Dignified Death

Laura was diagnosed with a terminal melanoma of the uretra, a condition that had progressed rapidly and left her in a state of severe suffering. Despite her dire health situation, Laura remained resolute in her desire to control the end of her life. She had been a long-standing member of the association "Derecho a Morir Dignamente" (Right to Die with Dignity) since 2006 and had been a vocal advocate for the right to euthanasia.

The Bureaucratic Hurdles

Laura's journey to secure euthanasia was marked by significant bureaucratic hurdles. She submitted her first request for euthanasia on October 29, 2024, shortly after being admitted to the Meixoeiro Hospital in Vigo for severe abdominal pain, which was later confirmed to be a result of metastasis. However, the process was slow, and she had to wait for the mandatory 15-day period between the first and second requests. Her case drew public and political attention, with the socialist parliamentary group criticizing the regional government, led by the People's Party (PP), for imposing what they described as "asphyxiating bureaucracy" on individuals seeking euthanasia.

Approval and Final Days

Despite these challenges, Laura's persistence and the public outcry led to an expedited process. Her second request was made just a week after the first, and on Friday, November 15, she received the news that her request had been approved. This was significantly faster than the usual 40-day minimum period required in Galicia. Laura expressed her gratitude and relief, stating that she never expected such a dignified end to her life.

A Peaceful Farewell

Surrounded by her family, medical team, and a representative from "Derecho a Morir Dignamente," Laura passed away peacefully at around 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 19. In her final days, she reflected on her life with a sense of serenity and happiness, expressing her appreciation for the support she received and the opportunity to die on her own terms. In a video message recorded before her death, Laura emphasized the importance of advance directives and the need for greater support for palliative care.

Last Messages and Legacy

Laura's final message was one of gratitude and advocacy. She urged people to support political candidates who champion the right to die with dignity and to prioritize palliative care. Her legacy continues to inspire those who believe in the right to control one's own death, and her story has sparked a renewed debate on the need to streamline and expand the euthanasia laws in Spain.

In her own words, "Morir vamos a morir todos, pero la forma de morir que yo elegí me parece maravillosa" (We will all die, but the way I chose to die seems wonderful to me). Laura Fernández Abalde's courageous fight and dignified farewell serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of personal autonomy and the right to a peaceful death.