CHAPTER 7: THE RIGHT TO THE RETURN OF AN AMPUTATED LEG

Abstract

In Colombia, the curious request of a citizen whose leg had to be amputated for health reasons surprised the judges. This person indeed demanded the return of his amputated leg, because, according to his religious beliefs, his body was to be buried in its entirety after his death. The case ended up in the Constitutional Court, which ordered the application of meaningful measures when fundamental rights such as the right to freedom of worship come up against public health policy.