Spanish lawmakers approve euthanasia law

Spanish lawmakers voted on Thursday to approve a euthanasia law that allows physician-assisted suicide in the country.

The law only makes physician-assisted suicide legal if a patient has an incurable disease or a painful, permanent condition, The Associated Press reported. 

The lower house passed the bill in a 202-140 vote, with those on the left supporting the law and those on the right voting against it.

The law does allow doctors to refuse the service if it goes against their personal beliefs. A patient would need to provide four written statements and have to consult with a medical professional who has not worked on their case in order to get approval for the process. 

Conservative lawmakers have said they will work to overturn the legislation. 

“We are heading towards a more humane and fair society,” Health Minister Carolina Darias told the Congress of Deputies after the vote passed, according to the AP.

Spain is one of six countries to allow for physician-assisted suicide. 

New Zealand voted in October to allow physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill adults. The Netherlands also announced plans back in October to allow for physician-assisted suicide among terminally ill children.