The United States on Wednesday, April 1st urged Spain to investigate the euthanasia of a young woman.
Noelia Castillo, 25, died at a hospital after choosing euthanasia following a legal battle with her father, who had opposed the decision. Castillo had been left paralyzed after attempting suicide by jumping from a building in the aftermath of a sexual assault. Her case drew national attention and became the first of its kind to be considered by a Spanish court.
Riley M. Barnes—Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the U.S. Department of State—called for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.
It is imperative that authorities investigate this tragic case…. every life is sacred. Noelia was failed in life. We cannot afford to fail her once again.
Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021 despite strong opposition from the Catholic Church.
