Teen whose request to end her life was refused by Chilean president finally dies

A Chilean girl who suffered from cystic fibrosis - and asked for permission to end her life on YouTube - has died of her illness.Her father has now confirmed that Valentina - whose brother died of cystic fibrosis aged six - also passed away on Thursday.

14-year-old Valentina Maureira gained international attention when she made public and heartbreaking plea to Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.She posted a YouTube video asking the President for permission to end her own life.In the video which has since been watched by millions, she said:

'I urgently request to speak to the president because I'm tired of living with this illness... I want her approval so I can get a shot that will make me sleep forever.'

A presidential spokesman claimed it was 'impossible not to be overcome by emotion with the girl's request' but they could not approve the procedure under Chilean law.

He said the health ministry was in contact with the teenager's family and was providing her with psychological assistance as well as medical treatment.

After the president rejected Valentina's heartbreaking request, her father said she would continue trying to meet with Bachelet, who is also a pediatrician.Fredy Maureira said:

 'This is so tough, but I have to respect her decision because she's the one who's suffering this illness.'I already lost a 6-year-old son because I didn't have enough money and organs. Now my daughter just wants to die in a dignified way,' he added.

Mr Maureira said 'he cried through the night' after he first heard his daughter wanted to die.

Culled from Dailymail