Woman who chose to be euthanized after parents lose legal battle dies aged 25

Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and suicide which some readers may find distressing.

A woman who chose to be euthanized despite her father's attempts to prevent it in the courts has died aged 25.

Noelia Castillo Ramos, 25, from Spain, became the first citizen to qualify for assisted dying on the grounds of mental health in 2024.

The Spanish woman was raped on two separate occasions, once by a former boyfriend before being gang raped by three men, in 2022.

Noelia had attempted to end her life several times since, including jumping off a roof of an apartment block last year.

The failed suicide attempt left Noelia paralysed and in unprecedented pain. There was no possibility of improvement, according to medical records.

The Barcelona native died on Thursday (March 26) at the Sant Pere de Ribes health centre despite her father's efforts to block it.

Christian Lawyers, who's been representing Geronimo Castillo, said: "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."

The statement continued: "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 euthanasia request was first granted by an expert committee in Catalonia in 2024, after Spain legalised assisted suicide and euthanasia in 2021.

She was set to have the procedure later in 2024, but it was ultimately postponed after Castillo claimed his daughter had a personality disorder that impacted her judgment.

However, Spain's Constitutional Court dismissed Castillo's appeal last month and stated the euthanasia could go ahead as there had been 'no violation of fundamental rights'.

Noelia was due to be euthanized at 6pm local time on Thursday and spent her final hours with her loved ones.

However, it's believed she asked family to spend extra time with her before undergoing the procedure.

In an interview with Spanish network Antena 3 earlier this week, Noelia described how she wanted to spend her final moments.

She said: "I've 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."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org