- Noelia Castillo, a 25-year-old Spanish woman, received life-ending medicine in Barcelona on Thursday following a lengthy legal fight for her right to die.
- Ms Castillo was left paraplegic after a previous suicide attempt and had sought euthanasia for 18 months, a process legalised in Spain in 2021 for patients with incurable diseases or unbearable permanent conditions.
- Her application was approved by a medical body in Catalonia, which determined her condition was serious, incurable, and caused severe, chronic, and debilitating suffering.
- Ms Castillo's family, supported by the conservative Catholic organisation Abogados Cristianos, opposed her decision and pursued multiple legal challenges, which were ultimately rejected by Spanish courts and the European Court of Human Rights.
- Speaking before her death, Ms Castillo expressed relief, saying she could not “go on anymore”.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
