Overview
- The Basque Department of Health reported Wednesday that it has registered 105 requests for medical assistance to die since January 2026, a figure close to the 120 requests recorded for all of 2025.
- The regional health authority launched a dedicated euthanasia IT application in January to simplify and speed the submission and management of requests for citizens and health services.
- Official 2025 data show 120 requests and about 80 acceptances, and officials have not yet published detailed approval or completion figures for the 2026 requests.
- Regional figures place the Basque Country at about 2.2 euthanasia deaths per 1,000 total deaths, roughly double the national average and highlighting marked regional variation in uptake.
- Advocates and officials say the digital tool aims to reduce delays and boost confidentiality after past administrative problems, and analysts say the rollout should be monitored for effects on approval rates, waiting times, and patient safeguards.