Attempt Follows 768-Day Wait
Francesc Augé, a 56-year-old resident of Barcelona province, was admitted to a psychiatric hospital on Sunday morning after attempting to take his own life. He has waited 768 days for legal approval of his euthanasia, which was medically and administratively approved by the Catalan Euthanasia Evaluation and Guarantee Commission (CGAC) in August 2024. Augé, who suffered four strokes and two heart attacks, has severe physical and speech impairments. His request met all criteria under Spain’s national euthanasia law, and the regional commission formally endorsed it.
Father’s Legal Challenge Blocked Process
However, the judicial process stalled after Augé’s 96-year-old father filed legal objections more than two years ago, making it one of only two known cases in Spain where family members have contested euthanasia approval. Although the father formally withdrew his opposition in late August 2026, the court has not yet issued a final resolution to release the procedure.
The judicial delay has directly impacted my right to die with dignity
According to reports from Cadena SER and elDiario.es, Augé had repeatedly warned that he might resort to self-harm if the process remained blocked. On Sunday, he sent a farewell message to a close friend and was later found alive by emergency services, including Mossos d'Esquadra and firefighters, alongside a written note criticising the judicial system. He was treated for intoxication and transferred to a psychiatric facility for observation.
Regional Government Calls for Urgent Resolution
Following media coverage of the suicide attempt, the Generalitat de Catalunya, representing the CGAC, urged the court to issue a final ruling without further delay. The regional authority stressed that all medical and administrative requirements have long been fulfilled and that continued inaction undermines the legal right to euthanasia established under national law. Euthanasia in Spain is regulated by Organic Law 3/2021, which allows individuals with incurable or severely debilitating conditions to request medically assisted death, subject to strict procedural safeguards.
Reported by eldiario.es, infobae.com.
