Paralysed and in pain, Spaniard hails euthanasia law as an option
By Oscar Corrons and Emma Pinedo
Reuters
SIMAT DE LA VALLDIGNA, Spain (Reuters) - Paralysed from the neck down after suffering a car crash at 19, Rafael Botella, now 35 and in pain, is relieved that the Spanish parliament is set on Thursday to approve a law to allow euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Botella thought of ending his life when agonizing pain confined him to his bed six years ago. Though he has since changed his mind, he wants the option to do so legally.
Despite opposition from the political right and religious groups, once signed into law, Spain will become the European Union s fourth country to legalise the practice after Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. A similar plan in neighbouring Portugal suffered a setback this week.
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Clean-up reduces flooding risk and restores spots to their natural beauty
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THE buildup of bamboo canes and undergrowth in riverbeds and under bridges throughout the Valencian Community is usually the main culprit of the heavy floods that regularly swamp towns and cities throughout the region.
Part of the blame, at least in Valencia’s La Safor district, falls at the feet of the river management consortiums.
The Jucar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ) has for many years clamped down very strictly on anyone who removes the canes, with fines for everyone including farmers and council workers.
Rafael Botella asked for help to die a year and a half ago. He could not bear to continue living as he was â a quadriplegic, bedridden and in unbearable pain after a car accident 16 years ago at the age of 19. He was frustrated that Spainâs politicians had become embroiled in their own affairs and that the proposed euthanasia law had been sidelined. At that time, parliament had been dissolved and elections were being called. He was desperate and called the Right to Die with Dignity (DMD) association, which supported him and also advised him to look for alternatives to reduce the pain.