Euthanasia requests in the Canary Islands have seen a dramatic rise, increasing by 195.2% in 2023 compared to the previous year. A total of 62 requests were made during the year, of which 25 were carried out.
This is a significant increase from the 21 requests received in 2022, with 10 procedures performed.
The increase mirrors a broader trend across Spain, where 1,515 requests for assisted dying were processed between the implementation of the euthanasia law in June 2021 and the end of 2023.
Nationally, the number of requests has grown from 173 in 2021 to 766 in 2023, reflecting a 32.9% increase in the past year alone and a staggering 342% rise since the law’s introduction.
National Figures and Regional Trends
According to the Ministry of Health’s 2023 annual evaluation report on assisted dying, 76% of the 766 requests received last year were approved. Of these, 334 procedures were carried out. Among the rejected requests (188 in total), 78 appeals were lodged, with 32 eventually resolved in favour of the applicants.
The report highlights regional variations, with the highest number of requests originating from Catalonia (219), followed by Madrid (89), the Canary Islands (62), and the Basque Country (58). Other regions reported smaller figures, such as Extremadura and Murcia, each with just two requests.
The Profile of Applicants
The typical applicant is aged between 70 and 79 years (28%) and is predominantly affected by either oncological (35%) or neurological (35%) conditions, often in severe stages.
While most applicants (95%) were deemed fully competent at the time of their request, 15% faced an imminent risk of losing decision-making capacity.
The average time from request to the performance of euthanasia in 2023 was 67 days, with a median of 54.2 days. However, 25% of applicants died before their requests could be processed. For those whose requests were fulfilled, the average time from application to death was approximately 30 days.
The increase in euthanasia requests highlights the growing demand for end-of-life care options under Spain's legal framework. Efforts to streamline the process and improve accessibility could further align the system with the needs of patients, ensuring timely support for those seeking assisted dying.
