Paralysed woman shared plans for final moments before dying by euthanasia

Warning: This article contains discussion of assisted dying, mental health and rape, which some readers may find distressing.

A woman who has died by euthanasia in Spain shared how she wanted to spend her final moments.

Noelia Castillo Ramos, from Barcelona, died by euthanasia after a previous suicide attempt left her paralysed.

The 25-year-old, who had been left traumatised following a horrific gang rape while living in a state-supervised centre for vulnerable young people, became the first citizen in Spain to qualify for assisted dying on the grounds of mental health.

Conservative advocacy group Abogados Cristianos (Christian Lawyers) supported Noelia's decision for assisted dying, despite her parents trying to block the move.

Speaking to Spanish Antena 3 programme Y Ahora Sonsoles, Noelia revealed how she 'told them how I want it to be'.

"I want to die looking beautiful. I've always thought I want to die looking good. I'll wear my prettiest dress and put on makeup; it will be something simple," she said.

Noelia Castillo Ramos died by euthanasia last night (Antena 3)

While she requested to speak to her family to say goodbye, Noelia said she wanted to be alone when the injection was administered.

Christian Lawyers confirmed her death in a statement last night (26 March): "Noelia has already undergone euthanasia.

"From Christian Lawyers, we deeply regret her death and denounce that this case highlights the serious shortcomings of the euthanasia law, which does not protect the most vulnerable people.

"We ask politicians to ensure that her story serves to drive urgent changes and prevent something like this from happening again.

"Thank you to everyone who has empathized with the family during these very difficult times.

Noelia's family did not support her decision (Antena 3)

"You can understand that her parents are devastated after years of trying to support her in her rehabilitation."

Prior to her death, Noelia acknowledged that 'none of my family is in favour of euthanasia.'.

"But I think, all the pain I’ve suffered over the years… I just want to leave in peace now and stop suffering, period," she told Antena 3.

"And a father’s, or a mother’s, or a sister’s happiness doesn’t have to come before a daughter’s happiness or sadness of a daughter’s life."

What does the assisted dying law in Spain actually allow?

In 2021, Spain became the fourth European Union country to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide for specific people, if they fit meet certain criteria, which are:

· Suffering from a 'serious or incurable illness'

· Or a 'chronic or incapacitating' condition that causes 'intolerable suffering'

· Be an adult Spanish national, or a legal resident

· Be 'fully aware and conscious' when they make the euthanasia request, which has to be submitted twice in writing, 15 days apart

For the request to go through, a doctor must review and approve it, alongside a second medical professional and an evaluation body. Doctors are able to reject any request that doesn't meet the criteria, and reserve the right to withdraw from the euthanasia procedure on the grounds of 'conscience'.

For advice, support, and more information, you can contact the nurse-led specialist team at Compassion in Dying via their helpline 0800 999 2434. You can also email them at [email protected].

Additionally, if you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have awebchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.