Woman left severely disfigured by husband’s acid attack 26 years ago withdraws euthanasia decision

A Colombian woman has decided not to go ahead with euthanasia after suffering severe injuries in an acid attack, but has renewed hope after receiving a lifeline from a businessman.

María Consuelo Córdoba, 58, was left severely disfigured when her husband threw acid in her face 26 years ago.

The woman had previously been considering assisted dying, after decades of painful medical treatment and financial hardship.

She was also struggling to access further reconstructive surgery.

Her decision changed after her story attracted widespread attention in Colombia.

Arturo Calle, an 88-year-old Colombian businessman, was so moved by the reports of her situation that he extended his incredible offer to help.

Calle stepped forward with an offer of practical and financial support, including offering to help find her a permanent home and a monthly allowance.

María Consuelo Córdoba had previously been approved to undergo euthanasia (CityTV)

Córdoba has now confirmed that she will not undergo euthanasia.

The announcement marks a dramatic change after more than a quarter of a century spent dealing with the consequences of the attack.

Córdoba was attacked in Bogotá in 2000 by her then-husband, who, according to her account, concealed acid inside a liquor bottle before throwing it over her face.

She initially thought the liquid was alcohol.

“When I opened the door he threw the acid at me,” she previously recalled. “I didn’t know it was acid because he had it in a bottle of liquor.”

The injuries destroyed her life.

She has undergone around 87 operations in an effort to reconstruct her face and restore basic functions, and she has been left requiring tubes to help her breathe.

For years, further treatment has been out of reach because of the cost.

“The plastic surgeries cost money, and where would I get it?” she said during a recent interview, highlighting the financial reality behind her decision to seek euthanasia.

Her case had previously attracted international attention in 2017, when she met Pope Francis during his visit to Colombia.

Córdoba said she told him about her wish to die and that he encouraged her to continue living, while promising that she would receive help with further surgery.

She shared an image of how she looked before the horrific attack (María Consuelo Córdoba)

Years later, she said that promised assistance had not materialised.

Córdoba's euthanasia procedure was subsequently authorised, her circumstances changed after her story was highlighted publicly.

Calle said he intends to find Córdoba a small apartment where she can live for the rest of her life. He has also promised her regular financial assistance.

“I am going to give her money every month,” Calle said.

The businessman also described meeting Córdoba as an unexpectedly joyful experience, saying: “Consuelo and I have had a great time, we have laughed a lot, we have enjoyed ourselves

For Córdoba, the offer has opened the door to something she had been fighting for throughout her long medical ordeal: another chance at treatment.

Two further reconstructive operations are now expected to focus on her nose and mouth, according to Colombian reports.

The prospect of finally receiving the procedures she has spent years trying to secure was the tipping point that persuaded her to abandon her plans to die.

After 26 years of operations, poverty and uncertainty, Córdoba is now choosing to pursue treatment now that she finally has help on her side.