Last words of Noelia Castillo Ramos who died by euthanasia after devastating assault revealed

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

The final words of a paralysed woman who died by euthanasia in Spain have been revealed.

Noelia Castillo Ramos, who became the first citizen in the country to qualify for assisted dying on the grounds of mental health, has now died by euthanasia.

The 25-year-old from Barcelona, Spain, was paralysed from the waist down following a suicide attempt in 2022. She had struggled with her mental health and been left traumatised by a number of sexual assaults, including a brutal gang rape while she was living in a state-supervised centre for vulnerable young people.

Noelia has died by euthanasia (Antena 3)

It is understood that Noelia reiterated her wish to die in her final moments, Spanish outlet Antena 3 reports.

In a translated report, Noelia is claimed to have said: “I want to go now in peace and stop suffering," before adding that the happiness of a mother and father cannot come above the happiness of a daughter.

She also explained that she wished for her final moments to be alone, adding: “I don’t want them to see me closing my eyes."

Noelia's dad had attempted to block the euthanasia, with support from the conservative advocacy group Abogados Cristianos (Christian Lawyers). He had argued that her mental health was affecting her ability to make a free and informed decision.

A statement from Christian Lawyers read: "Noelia has already been euthanised.

“At Christian Lawyers, we deeply regret her death and denounce that this case highlights the serious flaws in the euthanasia law, which does not protect the most vulnerable people.

“We urge politicians to use her story to drive urgent changes and prevent something like this from happening again.

“Thanks to everyone who has empathised with the family during these very difficult times. You can understand that the parents are broken after years of trying to support her in her rehabilitation.”

Noelia's family hoped she would change her mind (Antena 3/Y ahora Sonsoles)

Noelia's mother, Yolanda Ramos, stayed by her side all night.

“I’ve been praying and thinking… hoping that at the last moment she’ll say ‘I regret it’,” she said.

Noelia's dad and some of her other relatives were also at the hospital to spend time with her before she passed away.

Noelia told Antena 3 in a final interview before her death: "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.

“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.”

In a final message to her daughter, Yolanda said: “There’s nothing more I can do. If you decide to go ahead, I’ll be there for you, but if you change your mind, I’ll be there for the good times too.”

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 a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.