Story perspectives

Groundbreaking Face Transplant: Euthanasia Donor Transforms Life

2/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The world-first face transplant at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona used tissue from a donor who chose euthanasia.
The 24-hour operation involved about 100 medical professionals and used three-dimensional (3D) planning enabled by Spain's June 2021 euthanasia law, with Vall d’Hebron performing half of Spain's six facial transplants.
The recipient, Carme, suffered severe facial tissue necrosis from a bacterial infection and expressed gratitude, saying her life is improving.

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Story summary

The world-first face transplant at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona used tissue from a donor who chose euthanasia.
The 24-hour operation involved about 100 medical professionals and used three-dimensional (3D) planning enabled by Spain's June 2021 euthanasia law, with Vall d’Hebron performing half of Spain's six facial transplants.
The recipient, Carme, suffered severe facial tissue necrosis from a bacterial infection and expressed gratitude, saying her life is improving.