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Dutch MPs Legalise Euthanasia
The Netherlands has become the first country in the world to legalise euthanasia. The bill was carried in the Dutch parliament by a vote of 104 for and 40 against.
Euthanasia has been tolerated for many years in the Netherlands, but it remains illegal and doctors administering a lethal drug to a patient are, in theory, liable to be prosecuted.
The law still needs the approval of the Senate, but this is considered a formality, and it is expected to enter into force next year.
Labour Party leader Ad Melkert welcomed the vote. "It will give freedom of choice at the most emotional moment of one's life."
Rita Marker, executive director of the International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force, said the law would send a dangerous signal.
"It will be like giving the household seal of approval. What is currently a crime will be transformed into medical treatment," Marker said.
The new legislation will make it legal to end a patient's life, subject to very strict criteria:
The patient must be suffering unbearable and unremitting pain.
He or she must have repeatedly requested help to die and a second medical opinion must be sought.
The termination of life must then be carried out in a medically appropriate manner.
The new law also allows patients to leave a written request for euthanasia, giving doctors the right to use their own discretion when patients become too physically or mentally ill to decide for themselves.
Opinion polls have shown that a clear majority of Dutch people support the law, though it has been opposed by others, mainly on religious or ethical grounds.
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