Eutanasia y salud mental: desafíos éticos, clínicos y jurídicos de un debate abierto
Journal
Revista de Estudios Políticos
ISSN
0048-7694
Date Issued
2026-03-18
Author(s)
Abstract
The present study examines the complex ethical and legal challenges associated with including mental disorders as qualifying conditions for euthanasia in Spain. The ruling of the Constitutional Court 19/2023, dated March 22, explicitly excludes mental disorders from the circumstances that permit access to this provision, restricting the right to die solely to incurable somatic diseases. This decision has sparked intense debate regarding equity in access to euthanasia and the right to self-determination for patients suffering from severe psychiatric conditions. From a legal perspective, the study investigates the inherent challenges in assessing the decision-making capacity of these patients. Additionally, it provides a brief comparative overview of the legislation in other European countries that have allowed euthanasia in the context of mental disorders. Finally, it analyzes the future landscape of euthanasia in Spain from a legal standpoint