Noelia Castillo Ramos, a 25-year-old paraplegic gang-rape victim, died by euthanasia on March 26, 2026, after years of suffering from severe mental health issues. Her life was marked by trauma, including her parents’ divorce and multiple incidents of sexual abuse, which contributed to her struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Noelia was paralyzed from the waist down following a suicide attempt in October 2022.
Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021 for individuals with incurable or severely debilitating conditions. Noelia’s request for euthanasia was initially approved in July 2024, but it faced legal challenges from her father, Geronimo Castillo, who argued that her mental illness impaired her ability to make such a decision. This legal battle kept Noelia alive against her will for 601 days.
During a TV interview, Noelia expressed her desire to die in peace, stating, “I want to go now in peace and stop suffering, period.” She also mentioned, “None of my family is in favour of euthanasia. But what about all the pain I’ve suffered during all these years?” Her poignant words highlighted the deep emotional turmoil she faced.
Noelia’s case became a significant legal milestone in Spain, being the first to go to trial regarding euthanasia. Supporters gathered outside the hospital where she died, hoping to change her mind, but her resolve remained firm. She had previously attempted suicide by jumping from a fifth-floor window, indicating the extent of her distress.
The euthanasia procedure involved three injections, with the final injection causing cardiac arrest. Noelia’s story has ignited discussions about the intersection of mental health, legal rights, and the ethics of euthanasia in Spain.
As the nation reflects on this landmark case, observers and officials are expected to engage in deeper discussions about the implications of mental health on the right to choose euthanasia. This case may pave the way for future legal considerations surrounding similar requests, especially concerning individuals with mental health conditions.