Noelia Castillo Ramos died by euthanasia in March – she lost the use of her legs after attempting to take her own life after two rapes, and now her mother is demanding answers
The mother of a woman who died by euthanasia after a suicide attempt has launched a bid to track down men who reportedly raped her daughter.
Noelia Castillo Ramos died aged 25 on March 26 at an assisted living facility in Barcelona. Noelia lost the use of her legs after she tried to take her own life in 2022.
Now, her mum, Yolanda Ramos, has announced she has made two complaints to prosecutors in Barcelona and Tarragona, in an effort to start formal investigations into alleged rapes of Noelia, according to the Daily Mail.
She says she discovered new evidence of the horrific sexual assault in Noelia’s diary, which she gave to her mum on the day she passed away.
Noelia wrote she was raped by her ex-boyfriend and also said she was drugged, plied with alcohol and raped by three men in Salou, a popular beach holiday destination.
“Noelia spoke about the rapes on television, and on the very day she died, she gave me her diary. When I read it, I understood many things,” Yolanda said, announcing the complaints.
After the incidents, Noelia attempted to end her life herself, but became paraplegic from her injuries. She was later ‘severely depressed’ and led to her request to die by euthanasia, according to reports.
Noelia explained why she wanted to die to Spanish TV: “I want to go now and stop suffering, period. None of my family is in favour of euthanasia. But what about all the pain I’ve suffered during all these years?”
Noelia’s death has been controversial in Spain. Her family fiercely opposed her wish to die, with her father launching a series of legal challenges with conservative group, the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers.
His appeals against an independent panel of doctors, lawyers, and ethics experts — which approved Noelia’s request in 2024 — failed in the Spanish legal system, with the case making its way to the country’s Supreme Court.
A last-ditch appeal with the European Court of Human Rights was also rejected.
Noelia passed away on March 26. She was 25 years old.
Euthanasia became legal five years ago in Catalonia, under strict legal requirements. Hundreds of applications to die have been approved by experts, but Noelia’s case is the first to go to court.
The Christian Lawyers have also launched a petition demanding the end of the euthanasia laws, describing them as an ‘absolute failure’.
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
