The Contentious Chamber of the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by the father of Noelia, 24, who suffers from a spinal cord injury. This decision upholds the ruling of the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC), which had supported the euthanasia authorization granted on July 18, 2024, by the Guarantee and Evaluation Commission.
The high court argued that the father's challenge lacked “objective cassational interest for the formation of jurisprudence,” despite the Chamber initially intending to establish doctrine on who can challenge such authorizations. The Supreme Court confirmed the capacity of the daughter, who is of legal age, to request euthanasia and fully understand the scope and consequences of her request.
The order, drafted by magistrate José Luis Requero, addressed a “procedural irregularity” in the actions of the so-called “medico-forensic duo.” This duo feigned disagreement to elevate the decision to the Guarantee Commission, although the Supreme Court concluded that this action had no material effect on the final outcome of the procedure and caused no material defenselessness.
“"This inadmission does not imply an endorsement of the euthanasia procedure or a validation of its legality, but merely a procedural decision."
Following the resolution, the Fundación Española de Abogados Cristianos, representing the father, announced that they will appeal the decision to the Constitutional Court, arguing that the high court cannot act as a third judicial instance to review the factual evidence.
