4 people suffered from neurological pathologies, 1 from oncology and 1 from traumatology. All the requests have been dealt with within the deadlines set by the LO 3/2021.

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Euthanasia in the Balearic Islands

Last year, six people received euthanasia in the Balearic Islands, a benefit that was implemented on 25 June 2021 in compliance with Organic Law 3/2021, of 24 March, on the Regulation of Euthanasia. 4 people suffered from neurological pathologies, 1 from oncology and 1 from traumatology.

In total, 25 applications were submitted in the Balearic Islands in 2022, two of which were still being processed at the start of 2023.

This was announced by the Commission for the Guarantee and Evaluation of the Right to Aid in Dying in the Balearic Islands in its annual report, which will be available in the coming days on the website of the Health Planning Service, as well as on the CAIB’s Euthanasia website.

According to this report, by islands, of the 25 applications received in 2022, 18 were processed in Mallorca, 1 in Menorca and 6 in Eivissa. By sex, 13 corresponded to men and 12 to women.

By age bracket, 1 was a person between 18 and 30 years old, 2 between 30 and 39, 1 between 40 and 49, 7 between 50 and 59, 3 between 60 and 69, 5 between 70 and 79, 3 between 80 and 89 and 3 between 90 and 100. Most of the requests (11) had neurological pathologies, 9 oncological, 1 mental health, 3 traumatological and 1 case suffered from multiple pathologies.

With regard to the euthanasias performed, 2 were men and 4 were women. One was aged between 40 and 49, one between 50 and 59, one between 60 and 69, two between 70 and 79 and one between 90 and 100.

With regard to the response time, all the requests have been dealt with within the time limits established by the regulations. It should be remembered that Organic Law 3/2021 establishes a complex procedure for requesting and verifying the provision of euthanasia. In the case of the Balearic Islands, the average number of days between the first request and the provision of the service was 58 days, taking into account that in some cases deferrals were requested by the patient’s own decision.

Currently, the decree regulating the register of objectors has already been approved, in which all professionals directly involved and who wish to exercise their right to object to participate in this service can register. The register is currently undergoing technical tests before it can be opened.

The right to the provision of aid to dying

The Conselleria de Salut i Consum de les Illes Balears guarantees compliance with this law, whose main objective is to regulate a new individual right and a new health service: euthanasia or aid in dying. The Conselleria de Salut i Consum is working to facilitate this service and to advise, accompany and train all the professionals involved in the provision of this service.

Assistance in dying may be requested by a person (or on their behalf, if this has been stated in the advance directives document) who suffers a serious and incurable illness or serious, chronic and disabling suffering in the terms established by law, certified by their responsible medical personnel, which causes suffering that the person considers unacceptable and which cannot be alleviated by other means.

With the aim of providing information, the website eutanasia.caib.es has been set up, where you can find sections with frequently asked questions for professionals and citizens, regulations, various documentation and press releases.