Bolivian Episcopal Conference rejects euthanasia bill

The Bolivian Episcopal Conference (CEB) has formally expressed its opposition to a legislative bill currently under debate in the Plurinational Legislative Assembly that seeks to legalize euthanasia in Bolivia.

In a statement, the CEB asserted that life is a “sacred gift from God” and that no individual has the right to deliberately end their own existence or that of a vulnerable person. The Church argued that true compassion involves accompaniment and care rather than the “discarding” of those perceived as a burden. Instead, the institution advocated for expanded access to palliative care to alleviate physical and emotional suffering for terminal patients.

Legal and ethical concerns were also raised by Bishop Eugenio Coter and legal advisor Susana Inch. They argued that the proposal is unconstitutional as it violates the fundamental right to life guaranteed by the supreme law and international human rights conventions ratified by Bolivia. Additionally, they noted that the bill overlooks deep sedation as a medical alternative to manage pain while allowing the natural end-of-life process to occur.