In Álava, 22 euthanasia requests were received in 2025, with 15 being approved. The remaining 7 were not completed, either due to committee rejection or the patient's death during the process. Across Euskadi as a whole, 120 applications were recorded, resulting in 107 authorizations. By territory, Bizkaia reported 45 requests (26 procedures) and Gipuzkoa 53 (37 procedures).
According to data published by the Department of Health of the Basque Government, the average processing time has been significantly reduced to 39.4 days from the initial request to the procedure. This positions Euskadi among the most efficient regions in managing this process, with an authorization rate of nearly 90%, the highest since the law's implementation.
However, the report also highlights the clinical complexity of many cases: 31 individuals passed away during the process after submitting their request, 21 of whom did so after the file had reached the Guarantee and Evaluation Commission.
The average age of applicants is 75 years, ranging from 27 to 98 years old, and nearly two-thirds (63.7%) had previously received palliative care. Regarding the reasons for requests, chronic and debilitating conditions predominate (58.3%), compared to serious and incurable illnesses (41.7%). The diversity of settings where the procedure is carried out (hospital, home, or socio-sanitary environment) is maintained, reflecting the system's adaptation to individual wishes.
Euskadi has guaranteed the provision of medical assistance in dying to 211 people since the law came into effect.
The euthanasia process is lengthy and guarantees are in place. The request must be made in writing to the doctor chosen by the individual, followed by a second request at least 15 days later. After signing informed consent, a second doctor issues a report. The Guarantee and Evaluation Commission analyzes both reports. If favorable, the individual can decide when to end their life or postpone the decision.
