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.

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