Ovidio González

Ovidio González was a Colombian man who, diagnosed with advanced oral cancer, decided to exercise his right to a dignified death. His story marked a turning point in Colombia, as he became the first person to access euthanasia through the healthcare system after the procedure was regulated in 2015.

The father of the cartoonist Matador, Ovidio clearly expressed his wish not to prolong his suffering and fought to exercise his autonomy until the very end. Although a medical institution initially denied him the procedure, his case sparked a national debate that highlighted the institutional barriers to accessing this right, even though regulations were already in place. Ultimately, following the intervention of the Ministry of Health, Ovidio was able to access euthanasia on July 3, 2015.

Through his story, Ovidio helped pave the way for others in Colombia to exercise the same right.