Clara Brugada backs debate on euthanasia as survey finds 86% support

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has backed moving forward with a debate on euthanasia, saying her government believes in personal autonomy when people face intolerable suffering.

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believes in personal autonomy in the face of intolerable suffering

Brugada said the city should develop a path that reflects public views and includes specialists in bioethics and health, as well as other interested sectors. She said a survey commissioned by her administration found that 86% of residents supported legalizing euthanasia and promoting legislation for specific situations at the end of life.

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It is very important that the discussion move forward, through consultations and expressions such as those we are seeing today from several civil society organizations proposing the legalization of euthanasia.

The mayor described the figure as an important indicator of support for a right in Mexico City. She also recalled that she met groups and organizations promoting euthanasia the previous week.

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Mexico City has always been a pioneer in expanding freedoms that once seemed impossible and later became rights.

On Aug. 28, activists from the Samara Martínez: Ley Trasciende movement held what they described as the first demonstration in Mexico demanding recognition of a right for people with terminal illnesses to choose a dignified death. They delivered a proposal to the city government.

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We commissioned an opinion survey on what people thought about legalizing euthanasia and promoting a law that could help in specific situations at the end of people’s lives, and 86% of the population said they agreed.