The legal killing of young Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo Ramos (25), by lethal injection at her own request last week has been attacked as a ‘social defeat’ by the Spanish hierarchy. The woman was not terminally ill although she did suffer chronic pain, had a history of mental health problems and was a victim of rape.

She had previously attempted to kill herself and was left a paraplegic afterwards. She repeatedly requested to die by euthanasia. Her parents were opposed to the request. Critics of euthanasia point out that the grounds for euthanasia and assisted suicide always expand once it is introduced and it comes to be seen as a ‘solution’ to suffering in general.

“When life hurts, the response cannot be to shorten the path, but to walk it together. Only in this way can we build a truly just society, where no one feels alone or discarded,” the bishops said in a statement.

They said human dignity should not depend on one’s health or subjective perception of life, and that it has “an intrinsic value that demands to be recognised, protected, and promoted in all circumstances.”

“Therefore, the truly human response to suffering cannot be to cause death, but to offer closeness, accompaniment, adequate care, and integral support,” the statement said.

They assured Ramaos’ family of their prayers and renewed their “commitment to a culture of care that abandons no one.”