Noelia Castillo, a 25-year-old Spanish woman, died by euthanasia on Thursday in Barcelona after a protracted legal battle with her father. Her request was approved by the Catalan Guarantee and Evaluation Commission in 2024, but her father, Gerónimo Castillo, filed a court order to halt the procedure, delaying her death by 601 days.
Castillo, who was paraplegic and had a history of mental health struggles, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), had sought euthanasia following two rapes in 2022. She expressed relief in her final interview, stating, 'At last, I’ve managed it, so let’s see if I can finally rest now.'
Her parents, represented by the conservative Catholic organization Abogados Cristianos, opposed her decision until the end. Courts ultimately upheld her right to die, allowing the procedure to proceed at the Sant Pere de Ribes long-term care facility.
A friend, Carla Gutierrez, attempted to visit Castillo before her death but was denied access by police, who cited respect for Castillo’s choice. The procedure began at 6:30 p.m. local time, with Castillo receiving three injections.
The case has reignited debate in Spain about euthanasia, particularly for young individuals with severe physical and psychological trauma. Supporters argue it grants autonomy and dignity, while critics warn of societal implications and ethical boundaries in medical practice.