Spain minister blasts US 'interference' over woman's euthanasia

TDT | Manama | Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Spain’s Health Minister Monica Garcia has criticised what she described as U.S. “interference” following comments by an American official regarding the euthanasia of a young paraplegic woman whose case drew widespread attention.

The reaction comes after the death of Noelia Castillo, 25, who underwent legal euthanasia last week in Spain. The country is among a limited number of nations that permit euthanasia under strict conditions introduced in 2021.

Castillo had first applied for assisted death in 2024 after becoming paraplegic following a suicide attempt in 2022. The procedure was delayed after her father filed a legal challenge, arguing that she did not meet the legal requirements, including mental competence and evidence of unbearable suffering.

The case became a landmark legal battle—the first of its kind in Spain—and eventually reached the European Court of Human Rights, which rejected the father’s appeal and allowed the procedure to proceed.

Tensions rose after Riley Barnes called for an investigation into the case, saying Castillo “was failed in life.” The U.S. embassy in Madrid later echoed the statement.

Responding on social media, Garcia said Spain would not allow “disinformation to fuel interference,” emphasising that the country has strong legal safeguards, a robust healthcare system, and oversight by professional medical committees.

She also defended Spain’s sovereignty, noting that its legislation is supported by European institutions, including the European Court of Human Rights.

Earlier, Garcia addressed U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to refrain from вмешательство in Spain’s internal affairs.

An AFP investigation found that misinformation surrounding the case had spread widely on social media, including false claims about Castillo’s eligibility and allegations linking the procedure to organ donation.