Lawmakers in Spain have legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide for people who have incurable or unbearable diseases who choose to end their lives.
On Thursday, Spain’s lower house of parliament voted 202 in favour of the bill, 141 against it and 2 abstentions.
Speaking after the vote, Health Minister Carolina Darias told lawmakers that the day was significant as the legislation highlights the recognition of human rights and the transition into a more humane and fair society.
The law which is available for adults with legal residence in Spain, will take force in three months in order to give time to set up regional control committees which will be responsible for reviewing and authorizing related requests.
However, a doctor can reject the request if the requirements have not been met or withdraw from taking part in the procedure on grounds of conscience while the request must be approved by a second medic and by an evaluation body.
Spain has the world’s fourth-highest life expectancy but until now, helping someone end their life in Spain carried a jail term of up to 10 years. However, countries like Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have already legalised euthanasia.
Although Portugal’s parliament passed a similar law in January, it was blocked this week by the Constitutional Court.
The new legislation is facing staunch opposition from hard right and religious groups with far-right Vox party saying it will challenge the law before the Constitutional Court.
According to a 2019 opinion poll Almost 90% of Spaniards are in favour of decriminalising euthanasia or assisted suicide.
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