Barcelona’s Noelia Announces Euthanasia Procedure to End Suffering This Thursday

Noelia Castillo, a 25-year-old paraplegic, announced on television she will receive euthanasia this Thursday. In Barcelona she said the procedure aims to end suffering after a long legal battle.

Legal timeline and rulings

The Generalitat approved the aid to die in July 2024. The regional Commission had unanimously found Noelia met the legal criteria.

Her father, Gerónimo Castillo, opposed the decision. He hired the ultraconservative group Abogados Cristianos and took the case to the courts.

That legal challenge halted the procedure for one year and eight months. A judge initially granted an injunction that paused the euthanasia.

Higher courts repeatedly rejected the father’s arguments. The Supreme Court dismissed his cassation appeal in January, ending ordinary-court remedies.

The Constitutional Court declined to impose precautionary measures. The European Court of Human Rights also refused the last appeal this week.

Medical assessment

The Commission assessed Noelia’s condition as non-recoverable. It found severe dependence and chronic, disabling pain.

Those findings formed the basis for approving the euthanasia request. Judicial panels upheld the legality and her capacity to decide.

Personal circumstances and care

Noelia has spent most of the time in a socio-sanitary residence in Sant Pere de Ribes. The television interview was filmed at her maternal grandmother’s home.

She described persistent physical pain and significant psychological distress. She said sleep is difficult and appetite and motivation have declined.

Family reaction and public interview

Most family members opposed the decision, according to Noelia. Her father led the legal fight and her mother expressed disagreement.

The mother said she will remain at her daughter’s side until the end. Fragments of the interview aired on Antena 3’s Ahora Sonsoles on Tuesday.

The full interview is scheduled for broadcast on Wednesday. Noelia has repeatedly stated she never doubted her decision.

Next steps

Noelia indicated the euthanasia procedure will take place on March 26, this Thursday. The recent refusal by the European court has cleared procedural obstacles.

The case also fuels broader debate about third-party standing in euthanasia challenges. A separate matter involving Francesc Augé awaits a Constitutional Court ruling on that issue.

Reported for Filmogaz.com.