Luis Montes Mieza — Spanish anesthetist and right-to-die activist

Spanish anesthetist (born 1949) who led the association Derecho a Morir Dignamente and advocated for legal end-of-life choices; active in the movement that later achieved legislative change in Spain.

Overview

Luis Montes Mieza (1949 – 19 April 2018) was a Spanish medical doctor and public advocate for legal options at the end of life. Trained and practiced as an anesthetist, Montes became widely known for his involvement in debates about assisted dying and for directing one of Spain's principal patient-rights organizations.

Career and activism

Montes combined clinical experience with public advocacy. From 2009 until his death in 2018 he served as the federal president of Derecho a Morir Dignamente (Right to Die with Dignity), a Spanish association that promotes dignity and autonomy for seriously ill and terminal patients. In that role he campaigned for clearer legal frameworks, better palliative care, and the decriminalization or regulation of physician-assisted dying for patients with intractable suffering. His stance aligned him with broader euthanasia and right-to-die movements active across Europe.

Positions and public significance

Montes emphasized patient autonomy, the ethical role of medical professionals in end-of-life care, and the need for transparent legislation. He supported improved access to palliative services and safeguards to ensure voluntary, informed decision-making. His public interventions contributed to national conversations that continued after his death and were part of the context in which Spain later adopted formal legal measures on euthanasia and assisted dying.

Notable facts

Led Derecho a Morir Dignamente as federal president from 2009–2018.
Worked professionally as an anesthesiologist and specialist in perioperative care.
Spoke regularly to media and at public events about end-of-life ethics and law.

Death and legacy

Montes died on 19 April 2018 of a heart attack while driving to Molina de Segura, in the Region of Murcia. Reports placed his age at either 68 or 69, depending on the exact birth date in 1949. His death was noted by colleagues and advocacy groups; they described him as an influential voice in Spain's long-running public debate over end-of-life policy. His contributions are frequently cited in summaries of the movement that worked toward regulated assisted dying in Spain.