Spain Euthanasia Law Comes Into Force
A law legalizing euthanasia came into force in Spain today. This means that both killing on demand and assisted suicide are permitted.
Spain(Madrid)– After the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, Spain is the fourth country in Europe to legalize active euthanasia. However, it will take some time to implement the law, as the precautions have not yet been put in place nationwide.
The law presented by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s left-wing government was approved by parliament three months ago. The MPs of the conservative People’s Party PP and the right-wing populist Vox as well as two smaller parties voted against this. Vox filed a constitutional lawsuit, but this did not prevent the law from coming into effect. The Catholic Church also rejects the law.
The regulation allows euthanasia by doctors for adult patients who are terminally ill or have severe disabilities and suffer from unbearable pain. Mental illness is not a reason for euthanasia.
Indirect euthanasia as an aid to suicide as well as active euthanasia in the form of the intended bringing about death are possible.ORF.at
