A 23-year-old paraplegic woman is poised to testify in a Spanish court in a landmark case that could allow her to choose voluntary euthanasia over the objections of her father. In the first legal challenge of its kind, the woman, who became paraplegic from a self-harm attempt in 2022, is seeking to end her life with the support of Catalonia’s regional government and a euthanasia evaluation board.
The Catalan government and the evaluation board, which unanimously endorsed her decision in July 2024, argue against any evidence suggesting the woman lacks mental capacity to make this choice. Euthanasia, as defined, involves intentional life termination to relieve suffering and can be voluntary, as in this case.
However, the process hit a snag when the woman’s father, backed by the Christian Lawyers (Abogados Cristianos), contested the decision citing her alleged mental health issues as a reason. He claims her decision-making capacity is impaired by a personality disorder and that the state is obligated to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable individuals with mental health problems.
Although initially slated for August, the euthanasia was delayed due to these legal objections. The woman has expressed feelings of isolation and suffering due to her family’s resistance and what she perceives as a lack of understanding.
Legal representatives for the woman’s father assert that she has fluctuated in her decision to pursue euthanasia and that she has responded positively to rehabilitation therapies.
The public prosecutor has called for expert opinions and the woman’s own testimony to inform the judge’s decision. Also expected to testify are members of the euthanasia board, a neuro-rehabilitation specialist, and a psychiatric specialist.
Spain introduced an euthanasia law in 2021, but this case marks the first instance requiring judicial determination, indicating a complex intersection of personal autonomy, family dynamics, and the state’s role in life and death matters.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crrdqdky9gxo
