The young woman was able to fulfill her wish after the Catalonia Guarantee and Evaluation Commission approved her case in mid-2024. However, the process was marked by intense legal opposition from the Abogados Cristianos association, representing Noelia's father, who initially opposed his daughter's decision.
The lawyer for the ultracatholic organization, José María Fernández, called the press to the doors of the Sant Pere de Ribes hospital at the exact time scheduled for the euthanasia. From there, he harshly criticized the law and the healthcare system, arguing that insufficient alternatives had been offered to the 25-year-old.
“"Noelia's death is a failure for everyone. Also for me as a lawyer and for the system in a profound way."
Fernández reiterated that the euthanasia law was being applied as an 'assisted suicide law' and regretted that neither the Supreme Court nor the Constitutional Court had accepted his arguments. He also questioned Noelia's capacity to make such a significant decision due to her mental health issues and the lack of 'objective evidence of her pain and suffering'.
Despite the legal opposition and external protests, Noelia's family, including her father, accompanied her in the room until the procedure began, which took place around 6:30 PM. Outside, dozens of people, including members of the Philadelphia Evangelical Church, tried to make her change her mind with chants and slogans like 'You are not alone' or 'Noelia, we love you', despite requests for silence from the Mossos d'Esquadra and an affected family member.
