‘A second chance’: Spain carries out world’s first face transplant using tissue from euthanised donor

Spain has made medical history by performing the world’s first face transplant using tissue from a donor who underwent euthanasia. The country had legalised euthanasia for adults with "serious and incurable" diseases in 2021

The recipient, identified only as Carme, had suffered severe facial destruction from an infection that damaged skin, muscles and vital functions, leaving conventional reconstructive surgery no longer viable. (X)

FP News Desk|Feb 03, 2026, 14:48:51 IST

Doctors in Barcelona have successfully carried out the world’s first face transplant using tissue from a donor who had undergone euthanasia, reported Euro News. The procedure was performed at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, a centre already known for pushing boundaries in reconstructive surgery.

Who was the patient and why was the surgery needed?

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 made this transplant different from previous ones?

What sets this case apart is the donor. The face came from a woman who chose euthanasia under 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.

When did Spain legalise euthanasia?

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.

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