On Thursday, Noelia Castillo Ramos underwent euthanasia after a prolonged legal battle. But just days earlier, she changed her mind on an important decision, despite what her father’s lawyers describe as “pressure from the hospital.”
Noelia Castillo Ramos became the victim of a violent assault in 2022. At the time, she was staying at a state-run facility for vulnerable young people, and after the traumatic experience, she attempted to take her own life by jumping from a building.
Noelia survived, but suffered severe injuries that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She was deeply psychologically affected, and over time, both her physical and mental health continued to decline.
In 2024, authorities in Catalonia approved her request for assisted dying, and on Thursday, she was scheduled to undergo voluntary euthanasia at 6 p.m. local time. According to reports, the procedure is believed to have begun around 6:30 p.m. and lasted only minutes before she died.
Noelia Castillo Ramos
The case has divided opinion, including within her own family. Family members and loved ones tried to stop the process. Her father launched a legal battle against his daughter’s euthanasia, which was ultimately dismissed by the court.
According to reports, Noelia had initially decided to donate her organs. As she was only 25 years old, her intention was well received by medical staff, as it meant multiple lives could potentially be saved. Spanish outlet Okdiario reported that Noelia had a life expectancy of 50 years and that her organs were healthy.
However, when euthanasia was first authorized, she reportedly discussed the matter with the hospital. As delays to the assisted death emerged, the healthcare center informed her that her organs were at risk. Following recommendations from those around her, she then changed her mind. Just days before the procedure was carried out, she informed the hospital that she no longer wished to donate her organs.
“The case of Noelia also opens up a necessary debate”
According to her father’s lawyers, she made this decision despite “pressure from the hospital” to proceed with the donation. Polonia Castellanos, president of the Christian Lawyers Foundation, which represented Noelia’s father in his legal battle, said in an interview that the hospital “pushed for euthanasia because her organs were at risk.”
They also pointed to concerns about potential financial incentives tied to organ donation, according to Okdiario. In a post on X, the organization referenced an official document from the Andalusian Health Service outlining compensation structures for hospitals involved in organ and tissue donation. Through their X account, they reportedly wrote: “We ask that, in cases of euthanasia, there be no profit: there may be a conflict of interest.
“The case of Noelia also opens up a necessary debate on this issue.”
The national organ donation protocol states that a patient may “revoke consent to donation at any point in the process, without needing to justify it and without affecting their access to assistance in dying.”
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