Barcelona Doctors Perform World's First Face Transplant Using Tissue from Euthanasia Donor

Doctors in Barcelona have successfully carried out the world’s first face transplant using tissue from a donor who had undergone euthanasia, reportedEuro News. The procedure was performed at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, a centre already known for pushing boundaries in reconstructive surgery. The recipient, identified only as Carme, had suffered extensive facial damage after a serious infection destroyed skin, muscles and vital structures needed for breathing, eating and speaking. Traditional reconstructive surgery was no longer an option. That’s when doctors turned to facial transplantation—one of the most complex procedures in modern medicine. The operation required reconnecting blood vessels, nerves, muscles and bone with extreme precision, involving around 100 medical professionals working in coordination. What sets this case apart is the donor. The face came from a woman who choseeuthanasiaunder Spanish law and had explicitly consented to donate her organs and facial tissue. Because the timing was known in advance, doctors were able to plan the transplant in unprecedented detail using advanced imaging and 3D modelling. Hospital officials toldEuro Newsthat the transplant followed strict legal and ethical guidelines. Spain officially legalised euthanasia on June 25, 2021, following a landmark parliamentary vote in March of that year. This made Spain the fourth country in Europe to allow the practice. The law, known as Organic Law 3/2021, permits adults with “serious and incurable” diseases or “chronic and incapacitating” conditions to request medical assistance to die. To ensure informed consent, patients must submit two written requests 15 days apart and receive approval from multiple medical professionals and an oversight committee. The law also grants healthcare workers the right to “conscientious objection” for moral or religious reasons. Some people with Alzheimer’s brain changes show no symptoms due to cognitive reserve, which helps the brain compensate for damage. Cognitive reserve can be influenced by education, mental activity, social engagement, and genetics, allowing some to remain symptom-free. The presence of plaques and tangles alone does not guarantee Alzheimer’s symptoms; other biological factors and resilience play key roles. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.