The draft of the Public Health Law was presented to the deputies of the Cuban Parliament, during a joint session between the Health and Sports and Constitutional and Legal Affairs commissions.
One of the most novel and reviewed contents of the document is the recognition of the euthanasia as the right to a dignified death. However, for implementation, a higher-ranking legal provision is required, said the Minister of Public Health (MINSAP), José Ángel Portal Miranda.
The draft of the Public Health Law was presented today before the deputies of the Cuban Parliament, during a joint session between the Health and Sports and Constitutional and Legal Affairs commissions.
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#CubaForLife ?? #Popular power ?? pic.twitter.com/Rku2v2ewuy— Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (@MINSAPCuba) December 12, 2022
Portal Miranda pointed out that the draft, in which specialists have been working since 2019, conceptualizes health care, protection and recovery services, updates the organization and obligations of the State and Government to guarantee the operation of accessible, free and with quality, and includes duties of users, reported the official website of the Ministry.
It is expected that the proposal will be debated among members of the health sector, deputies and the population during tours that between January and March of next year will be carried out throughout the country by a working group made up of MINSAP specialists.
In addition, specialized consultations will be carried out before the presentation of a final project to the National Assembly of People’s Power, according to the scheduled schedule.
If approved in that instance, the new regulations will repeal Law 41 of Public Health, of July 13, 1983, and will enter into force 120 days after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic, the information specifies.
During his speech before the parliamentarians, Portal Miranda highlighted that the draft presented introduces postulates contained in the international treaties ratified by the Cuban State.
In the region, Colombia has regulated euthanasia since 1997; In countries like Argentina, the legislative debate on the subject has accelerated; and, on the contrary, others like Mexico and Ecuador restrict it, with penalties for those who assist in suicide.
The case of Mexico is particular because under the Advance Directive Law, the request not to be subjected to life-prolonging medical treatments is accepted, provided that a terminal illness is suffered.
