Spain approved a law permitting euthanasia on Thursday by a 202 to 141 vote in parliament, making it the fourth European Union country to do so.
Legislators from the left-wing governing coalition and other parties supported it, while conservative and far-right lawmakers voted “no” and vowed to overturn the legislation in the future.
With the development, Spain is the sixth country in the world and the fourth in Europe to allow physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Before the law’s passage, helping somebody to die in Spain was potentially punishable by a jail term of up to 10 years.
The law, due to take effect in three months, would stop the current potential jail terms for people who help another to end their life. Doctors will not be required to participate in ending a person’s life.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Carolina Darias hailed the passing of the bill as an important step “towards the recognition of human rights.”
“We are heading towards a more humane and fair society,” she told the Congress of Deputies.
