Woman Approved for Euthanasia After Husband's Acid Attack Leaves Her Horrifically Disfigured

After more than 20 years of living with devastating injuries from an acid attack, a Colombian woman says she wants to undergo euthanasia. María Consuelo Córdoba, 58, says her then-husband attacked her with acid in Bogotá in 2000. The attack left her with severe facial injuries and led to more than two decades of medical treatment and reconstructive procedures.

Córdoba says she has undergone about 87 surgeries, a figure cited in multiple recent reports. She continues to require medical care more than two decades later. She says her health problems have left her unable to work and struggling to afford basic living expenses.

'I Just Thought He Was Drinking'

Córdoba, originally from Istmina, Chocó, arrived in Bogotá in 2000 with her then-husband in search of work. She said she chose to remain in the capital rather than return to Chocó, a decision that preceded the attack.

Córdoba told Citytv that she initially did not realise the substance was acid because her ex-husband had carried it in a container used for aguardiente, a Colombian alcoholic spirit. She said she rushed to wash herself with water after he fled. 'He ran away, and I felt like it was burning, so I went home to throw water on it,' she said.

The injuries altered her appearance and left her with continuing difficulties, including problems with breathing. In her recent interview, she appeared in a mask, with tubes extending from her nose.

A Promise to Pope Francis

In 2017, Córdoba says Pope Francis asked her to put her plans for euthanasia aside. The pope visited Colombia in 2017, when Córdoba says she met him and shared the physical and emotional suffering caused by her injuries.

According to her, Pope Francis told her that Colombia would help her obtain the surgeries she needed. 'He told me... "Colombia will help you get the surgeries you need"... But you know what? No one has helped me... I'm worse.' She now says she has reached the limit of what she can endure while struggling with severe financial hardship.

Córdoba Already Has Euthanasia Authorisation, Capital Salud Says

Córdoba's story drew renewed attention after her interview, prompting Capital Salud EPS to clarify the status of her euthanasia request. The organisation said Córdoba has had authorisation for the euthanasia procedure for four years but stressed that proceeding remains her voluntary decision.

Capital Salud EPS said María Consuelo would continue to receive support 'with respect, humanity, and dignity' and that it would remain available to address her health needs. The organisation said it would continue providing healthcare and support regardless of her decision.

Colombia's Right to Die With Dignity

Colombia has one of Latin America's longest-established legal regimes for euthanasia. In its 2021 C-233 ruling, Colombia's Constitutional Court removed the requirement that a patient be terminally ill, holding that euthanasia may be available where a person experiences intense physical or psychological suffering arising from a bodily injury or a serious and incurable illness, subject to the applicable requirements.

The current framework places strong emphasis on the patient's autonomy and voluntary, informed, and unequivocal expression of their wishes. Resolution 813 of 2026 sets out a detailed process for euthanasia requests, including eligibility assessment, informed consent, reiteration of the patient's decision, and review through an interdisciplinary euthanasia committee.