Who requests euthanasia in the Balearic Islands and how does the process work?
The data shows a sustained increase in requests, with a predominantly elderly profile and serious illnesses, in a process that is still a minority
PalmThe Euthanasia Law, in force in Spain since June 2021, has been progressively implemented in the Balearic Islands, where, to date, 116 people have requested this medical procedure and 40 have died after availing themselves of it within the public healthcare system.
The debate on this right has returned to the forefront following the case of the young Catalan woman Noelia Castillo, who received euthanasia in Barcelona last March after a long legal process. The case has reopened the social discussion about the scope and application of the Organic Law on the Regulation of Euthanasia.
This norm recognizes the right to request euthanasia for people with a serious and incurable illness or with a chronic and incapacitating condition that involves constant and unbearable physical or psychological suffering.
Sustained increase in requests
According to data from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Health, applications have grown steadily since the law came into force: 9 in 2021, 25 in 2022, 37 in 2023, and 45 in 2024. In parallel, the actions taken have also increased, with 6 cases in both 2021 and 2022, 11 in 2023, and 17 in 2024.
Despite this increase, the incidence is still low: in 2024, 0.05 applications were registered per 1,000 inhabitants and 0.01 actions, placing euthanasia as a minority practice within the healthcare system.
By islands, Mallorca concentrates the majority of cases, with 64 applications and 24 actions between 2023 and 2024. Ibiza follows, with 14 applications and 3 actions, while in Menorca and Formentera the incidence is lower.
Profile of the applicants
The majority profile is that of an elderly man. 63.6% of people who have requested euthanasia are men. The most common range is between 50 and 79 years old, especially between 70 and 79.
Among those who have finally received euthanasia, the average age is 69.5 years, with a balanced distribution between men and women.
As for the causes, oncological and neurological diseases are the most frequent. In 2024, 19 requests were related to oncological pathologies and 14, to neurological diseases, followed by cases of advanced pluripathology and respiratory diseases.
A complex and long process
The majority of requests (84%) are processed through Primary Care, which highlights the central role of family doctors in the process. Medical action is carried out mainly in hospitals (41.2%), although it is also done at home (35.3%) and in residences (23.5%).
The average time between the first request and euthanasia is 71.2 days, although it can vary depending on each case.
One of the most relevant data is that a significant portion of applicants die before completing the procedure. In 2024 alone, 14 people died during processing, often without having formalized the second request required by law. This situation reflects the fragility of patients and the complexity of the process.
Guarantees and control of the system
The system includes control mechanisms to ensure that all legal requirements are met. In 2024, 10 unfavorable reports were issued and six complaints were registered with the guarantee and evaluation commission, of which only one was upheld. Furthermore, three voluntary revocations occurred, a fact that confirms the decision can be reconsidered at any time.
Overall, the data show a progressive implementation of euthanasia in the Balearic Islands, still with a reduced incidence but with a sustained increase and an open social debate on its scope and application.