The girl decided to leave “with dignity,” but the path turned out to be difficult and lengthy
The story of Noelia Castillo Ramos, who is now 25 years old, has stirred the whole of Spain. After a severe injury, the girl decided to voluntarily end her life, but faced desperate resistance from her father.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing Hindustan Times.
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What tragedy befell the girl
In 2022, Noelia was in a state center for vulnerable young people in Barcelona.
At that time, she became a victim of an attack by a group of thugs and sustained numerous injuries—both physical and psychological.
Unable to cope with what had happened, the girl later attempted suicide by jumping from a building.
Doctors managed to save her, but the injuries resulted in paralysis of her lower body. Since then, Noelia has lived with severe disabilities and constant pain, and her mental health has significantly deteriorated.
The decision to “end her life” officially
Two years after the tragedy—in 2024—Noelia officially applied for assisted death (euthanasia).
At that time, a special medical commission unanimously approved her request, as Spain legalized both voluntary euthanasia and assisted death back in March 2021.
It is worth noting that according to Spanish law, voluntary euthanasia means that a doctor administers a lethal injection to the patient, while assisted death is when a medical professional provides special medications that the patient takes themselves.
Legal battle with her father
By August 2024, Noelia was set to end her life voluntarily. However, the process was “blocked” after her father filed a legal objection, supported by the conservative group Abogados Cristianos (Christian Lawyers).
The man claimed that:
- a personality disorder impaired his daughter’s ability to make reasoned decisions;
- she responded well to rehabilitation and had changed her mind about suicide several times.
In March 2025, Noelia appeared in court herself and addressed the judge directly. Her words were simple and touching: “I want to end this with dignity, once and for all.”
Noelia Castillo Ramos during an interview (still from video: youtube.com/@elsietemendoza)
Decision of the Constitutional Court
Noelia’s case was initially supported by several lower courts, and in February 2026, the Constitutional Court of Spain (which is the highest court in the country) ultimately rejected her father’s appeal.
The ruling stated that there was no “violation of fundamental rights” and affirmed the girl’s real right to access assisted death.
Despite this court decision, Noelia’s father’s lawyers stated that they would “continue to fight to the end” and would take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.
Recall that in January 2022, a law allowing euthanasia for the terminally ill came into force in Austria.
Additionally, in June 2025, the UK Parliament voted in favor of a bill to legalize assisted suicide (euthanasia).
Also read about how Slovenia refused to legalize assistance in dying.
