Madrid – The death of a young woman through active euthanasia has caused deep consternation and outrage in Spain – and literally divided the country. There were even turbulent scenes and a heated verbal exchange in the parliament in Madrid.
The right-wing populist Carlos Flores spoke of an “execution” and insulted the members of the left-wing government as “murderers”. The discussions that continue today – in cafés, offices and supermarkets – were much more objective, although often emotional.
Noelia Castillo received a lethal injection last night in a hospital in Sant Pere de Ribes near Barcelona, at her own express request but against her parents’ wishes, which ended her life immediately. The 25-year-old had a spinal cord injury that resulted from a suicide attempt after sexual assault in 2022.
Her young age and also the fact that – unlike in typical euthanasia cases – psychological suffering following severe trauma played a central role, triggered sharp criticism in Spain, including from conservative politicians, the media and the Catholic Church.
“I don’t regret it”
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“I can no longer deal with everything that is tormenting me in my head and what I have experienced,” Castillo said in an interview with the television station the day before yesterday Antenna 3 said. She wanted to “finally go, stop suffering” and “finally rest,” she said in a quiet but firm, confident voice. Doctors told her she might eventually be able to walk again – but she decided against it. “And I don’t regret it.”
A few hours before the execution, the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE) regretted that “in Spain, death is presented as a solution to suffering.” On Platform
Also criticism and warning from Germany
The visibly moved spokeswoman for opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s conservative People’s Party PP, Ester Muñoz, described the case to journalists as an “absolute drama”. The state has failed. The case should make society rethink many things, she said.
There was also criticism from Germany. “Without a doubt, Noelia Castillo’s fate is tragic,” said Eugen Brysch, board member of the German Patient Protection Foundation.
“Every person has the right to end their therapy, even if this decision leads to death. There are a wealth of options for accompanying dying,” said Brysch. “However, when a parliament legally allows killing on demand, it fuels social division. The reactions in Spain undoubtedly show this.”
Protest in front of the hospital
Before the euthanasia was carried out, journalists and camera teams as well as dozens of people gathered for a protest demonstration in front of the hospital. They prayed, sang and shouted: “Noelia, you are not alone,” “We love you,” “Keep fighting,” and “There are other ways out.”
Media reported that before her death, Noelia Castillo said goodbye to her parents, her maternal grandmother, her two sisters, two friends and a nun who supported her in the hospital for longer than planned. That’s why enforcement was delayed, it was said.
Active euthanasia, i.e. killing on demand, has been permitted in Spain for adults with incurable or intolerable suffering at the instigation of the left-wing government of Pedro Sánchez since June 2021. While opponents warn of ethical risks, particularly in the case of psychological suffering, supporters, including those in the left-wing government, see this as a confirmation of the right to self-determination.
The father fought unsuccessfully against his daughter’s wishes
After legalization and until December 2024 – over a period of three and a half years – according to official information, 1,123 of 2,432 applications were accepted and implemented in Spain. Over three quarters of the applicants were older than 60 and almost 30 percent were over 80 years old.
Noelia Castillo’s application had already been approved by the relevant authorities in the Catalonia region in the summer of 2024. The father, with the support of the Association of Christian Lawyers, tried to prevent it from taking place. But all instances, including the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court in Spain and, most recently this week, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), rejected his complaints.
Active euthanasia is punishable in Germany. However, discontinuing life-sustaining measures is permitted if this corresponds to the patient’s wishes. The same applies to indirect euthanasia. This is talked about when it comes to pain relief and patients dying earlier as a result of the medication.
Assisting suicide is also not punishable – it can consist of obtaining or providing a lethal drug, which the patient takes himself. Brysch speaks of an “organized assisted suicide that is still completely unregulated.”
If you have suicidal thoughts or notice them in another person: In Germany, the emergency number 112, the telephone counseling service 0800/1110111 and the depression information telephone 0800/3344 533 offer free help. Further information and addresses are available at www.deutsche-depressionshilfe.de.