Spain's Supreme Court rules relatives can challenge euthanasia decisions

Spain’s Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling confirming that close relatives, including parents, may legally appeal an authorized euthanasia request. The Court clarified that while the 2021 euthanasia law does not expressly grant third parties standing, judges can assess each case individually and allow a family member to intervene if they demonstrate a "special affective closeness" and evidence that legal safeguards were not met.

The decision was prompted by the high‑profile case of Noelia Castillo, a 25‑year‑old paraplegic from Barcelona whose father blocked her assisted‑death request for more than a year. International outlets such as The Times reported on the ruling, noting its potential to reshape how assisted‑dying procedures are contested in Spain.