The Portuguese parliament has passed a bill that aims to legalize euthanasia for people suffering with terminal illnesses.
The euthanasia bill was approved by parliament four times in the last three years but was sent back every time for a constitutional review due to opposition from the president.
In the fifth attempt, the bill has finally been cleared with a majority of 129 votes to 81.
The president now has a week to promulgate the new law.
Under its provisions, people aged over 18 will be allowed to request assistance in dying if they are terminally ill and in intolerable suffering.
It will only cover those suffering "lasting" and "unbearable" pain unless they are deemed not to be mentally fit to make such a decision.
The law will only be applicable for nationals and legal residents and not extend to foreigners coming into the country to seek assisted suicide.
The new version of the law now provides that euthanasia is authorized only in cases where "medically assisted suicide is impossible due to a physical disability of the patient".
#Portugaleuthanasia #Assistedsuicide #euthanasia ~PR.153~HT.99~ED.101~
