WASHINGTON — The Trump administration demanded clarification on the controversial euthanasia case of Noelia Castillo, 25, in Spain, prompting the country’s government to react sharply and speak out in criticism.
The U.S. State Department instructed the American Embassy in Madrid to open an investigation into how Spanish law enforcement handled sexual assault cases involving Castillo — who was allowed to end her life under the country’s euthanasia law last week.
Immediately following news of the investigation, Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia criticized President Trump for “interfering in internal affairs” amid tensions over Spain refusing to allow the U.S. to use military bases to attack Iran.
“This is a serious country, with a robust healthcare system and a legal framework that protects everyone’s rights, including the right to assisted death in cases permitted by law,” Garcia wrote on social media platform X.
She also criticized President Trump for “interfering everywhere” and referenced human rights issues in Gaza and Iran.
The government of Catalonia — where Castillo died — also reacted, affirming it would defend the healthcare system against what they called destructive criticism from the Trump administration.
Castillo was granted euthanasia five years after surviving a suicide attempt, when she jumped from a building following a sexual assault by three men. The incident left her paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.
Spain legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in 2021, joining the group of countries that allow these practices, including Belgium, Canada, and the Netherlands.
However, Castillo’s decision sparked controversy as her family, particularly her father — Geronimo — had spent 18 months trying to prevent it. He brought the case to the Spanish Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
The family argued that Castillo was not mentally capable of making such a decision due to her mental health condition. However, the Spanish Supreme Court rejected the request, affirming it was her “right to die.”
The family’s attorney also raised concerns about a conflict of interest, as the doctor who administered the lethal injection was also involved in coordinating Castillo’s organ donation — a sensitive issue similar to debates about healthcare and pharmaceutical management in the United States.
According to published information, Castillo asked her family to leave the room before the procedure took place last Thursday.
In an interview before her death, she said: “I want to go in the most beautiful state. I will wear my most beautiful dress and put on light makeup.”
