Noelia Castillo, a 25-year-old woman from Barcelona, is set to undergo euthanasia after years of living with severe injuries and trauma.
She has been paralysed since 2022 following a suicide attempt that occurred days after she was sexually assaulted by multiple individuals. Since then, she has been confined to a wheelchair and reportedly lives with constant pain due to a serious spinal cord injury.
Although approval for euthanasia was granted by the Catalan government in July 2024, the process was delayed for nearly two years due to legal challenges initiated by her father. A final appeal to the European Court of Human Rights was also unsuccessful, clearing the way for the procedure to take place at a care facility in Sant Pere de Ribes on Thursday, March 26.
Noelia has openly expressed her desire to end her suffering, despite opposition from members of her family.
“I want to go now and stop suffering, period. None of my family is in favour of euthanasia. But what about all the pain I’ve suffered during all these years?”
She also stated that her personal decision should take priority over her family’s wishes.
“the happiness of a father, a mother, or a sister cannot be more important” than her own.
She revealed that she invited her family to say their goodbyes but prefers to be alone during the procedure.
In an interview, she shared how she intends to spend her final moments.
“I want to di£ looking beautiful. I’ve always thought I want to di£ looking good. I’ll wear my prettiest dress and put on makeup; it will be something simple.”
The situation has caused deep division within her family. Her father argued in court that she did not meet the legal requirements, claiming her mental state could affect her ability to make such a decision and that her condition did not constitute unbearable suffering.
Noelia, however, questioned his stance, saying:
“Why does he want me alive? To keep me in a hospital?”
Her mother, while expressing disagreement, showed emotional support.
“I do not agree, but I will always be by her side.”
As the scheduled time approaches, Noelia reflected on her journey and decision:
“I’ve finally done it. Let’s see if I can finally rest because I can’t take this family anymore, the pain, everything that torments me from what I’ve been through.
“I don’t want to be an example for anyone, it’s simply my life, and that’s all.”