Noelia, a paraplegic who was injured during a previous suicide attempt in 2022, has garnered support from the Catalonia regional government after she was evaluated by a local euthanasia board, which approved her request in July 2024. In her request to the court, she expressed her desire to die with dignity: "I want to finish with dignity once and for all." Notably, she claims that she has been subjected to religious coercion while residing in a care facility, citing the presence of religious symbols meant to sway her decision.
Conversely, her father argues that Noelia is suffering from a personality disorder that compromises her ability to make such a pivotal decision. He emphasizes the state's duty to protect lives, particularly those of vulnerable individuals, and asserts that she has shown positive responses to rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, he contends that she has wavered in her determination to pursue euthanasia on multiple occasions.
The public prosecutor remains neutral, urging the judge to consider expert opinions and the young woman's perspective before reaching a decision. Today, the court will hear testimonies from various experts, including a member of the euthanasia board, a neuro-rehabilitation specialist, and a psychiatric expert.
Euthanasia was legalized in Spain in 2021, yet this case marks the first time such a decision will be left to a judicial ruling. Previously, a Barcelona magistrate dismissed an appeal from a father seeking to prevent his son’s approved euthanasia.
As the proceedings unfold, the implications could significantly impact the legal landscape surrounding euthanasia and assisted dying in Spain and beyond.
Conversely, her father argues that Noelia is suffering from a personality disorder that compromises her ability to make such a pivotal decision. He emphasizes the state's duty to protect lives, particularly those of vulnerable individuals, and asserts that she has shown positive responses to rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, he contends that she has wavered in her determination to pursue euthanasia on multiple occasions.
The public prosecutor remains neutral, urging the judge to consider expert opinions and the young woman's perspective before reaching a decision. Today, the court will hear testimonies from various experts, including a member of the euthanasia board, a neuro-rehabilitation specialist, and a psychiatric expert.
Euthanasia was legalized in Spain in 2021, yet this case marks the first time such a decision will be left to a judicial ruling. Previously, a Barcelona magistrate dismissed an appeal from a father seeking to prevent his son’s approved euthanasia.
As the proceedings unfold, the implications could significantly impact the legal landscape surrounding euthanasia and assisted dying in Spain and beyond.
