Noelia has become the first person in Spain to receive euthanasia for depression, in a case that has sparked shock and public debate.
The 25-year-old announced her decision after a process that stretched over twenty months, during which she defended her right to die with dignity. Her personal circumstances—marked by traumatic experiences and profound suffering—led her to submit a request that ultimately received approval from judicial authorities.
A Life Marked by Violence and Pain
In 2022, Noelia was the victim of a gang rape at a supervised care facility, an event that marked a turning point in her life.
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Later, she attempted suicide by jumping from a fifth-floor window, an act that left her paraplegic.
From that point on, she began a complex process in which she requested euthanasia at the age of 24. “I’m 25 years old and I have four days left,” she said in a conversation prior to her death, making it clear that her decision had remained firm since the beginning of the process.
Legal Battle and Court Decisions
Noelia’s case moved through several judicial instances, including Spain’s Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Initially, her euthanasia had been scheduled for August 2, 2024, but it was suspended. However, after months of litigation, the European court declined to halt the procedure, ultimately giving the definitive green light. The process became the first trial in Spain centered on the right to a dignified death.
A Family Divided Over an Irreversible Decision
Noelia’s decision created a deep divide within her family. Her mother, although opposed, chose to accompany her until the end. “We don’t agree, but we are with her,” she said, reflecting the pain and emotional conflict surrounding the situation.
Her father, meanwhile, repeatedly tried to stop the process but was unsuccessful. Despite the family’s opposition, the young woman maintained her stance: she wanted to end what she considered unbearable suffering.
The case has reignited an intense social debate about the limits of euthanasia, the role of the family, and the individual’s right to decide about their own life. Meanwhile, Noelia made her final message clear: she wanted to leave in peace and stop suffering.
Prosecutors Back Euthanasia Despite Family Appeals
Alongside the intense media attention surrounding the case, the Barcelona Provincial Prosecutor’s Office concluded that Noelia met all the legal requirements to access euthanasia, determining that her decision was free, autonomous, and consistent over time.
This assessment was supported by the Catalonia Guarantee and Evaluation Commission, which ten months earlier had unanimously ruled that the young woman could receive assisted death in accordance with current legislation.
The ruling reaffirmed that the process complied with Spain’s established medical and legal protocols.
The case was also marked by a legal dispute led by the young woman’s father, who—with the support of Christian lawyers’ associations—attempted to stop the procedure through court appeals.
After the ruling in Noelia’s favor, these groups announced they would appeal the decision, arguing that there were alleged irregularities in the authorization of the process. According to authorities, such actions have been interpreted as attempts to delay the euthanasia procedure in what is already considered the first case of its kind in the country.
Euthanasia in Europe
Across Europe, euthanasia continues to gain ground. In 2025, the practice reached record figures in both the Netherlands and Belgium, consolidating itself as an increasingly used legal option in both countries.
In the Netherlands, 10,341 euthanasia cases were recorded in 2025, representing a 3.8% increase compared with the previous year, according to data published by the Regional Euthanasia Review Committees (RTE). With these figures, euthanasia surpassed 6% of total deaths in the country for the first time, marking a new milestone since its legalization.
In Belgium, euthanasia also reached record numbers in 2025, with 4,486 cases—equivalent to 4% of all deaths in the country. The figure represents a 12.4% increase compared with the previous year, according to the Federal Commission for the Control and Evaluation of Euthanasia.
Who Requests Euthanasia?
In both countries, most requests come from:
- People over 70 years old
- Cancer patients
- Cases involving physical or psychological suffering considered incurable
In both the Netherlands and Belgium, euthanasia has been legal since 2002 and is subject to strict medical conditions, including evaluation of the patient’s suffering and informed consent.
Bukele Criticizes NGOs Over Noelia Case
El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, criticized human rights organizations in the context of Noelia’s case in Spain. He said such groups influence legal processes that, in his view, end up harming victims instead of protecting them.
In a message posted on social media, he said these organizations push decisions through legal mechanisms and added that his government would not take their positions into account. He also argued that the state should point out these actors for their role in cases such as that of the young Spanish woman.
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