According to a recent global study, the United Kingdom has left behind Canada, Germany and Australia to become one of the most socially liberal nations of the world on the issues of divorce and abortion.

In the last five years, Britons have moved further towards acceptance of casual sex, prostitution and homosexuality, the World Values Survey stated, which is a progression from saying earlier that these practices are justifiable.

The survey by the Policy Institute at King’s College London is focused on 24 nations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Americas, accounting for around half of the population of the world.

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The UK ranked&nbsp;at the top among the four nations which consider matters like casual sex, euthanasia, divorce, abortion, and suicide. Swedes have emerged as the most liberal people on abortion and divorce, the French have liberal thoughts on suicide, and Germans are liberal about euthanasia.

“What were once pressing moral concerns – things like homosexuality, divorce and casual sex – have become simple facts of life for much of the public,” said Prof Bobby Duffy, the Policy Institute's director.

“This mostly isn’t just driven by younger generations replacing older generations. All generations have changed their views significantly,” he added.

WATCH | Gravitas: The UK is no more a great place to live

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Speaking about the issue of executions, Duffy said that the enthusiasm of the British for the death penalty had softened in recent years, but the matter remains bound up with political identities, “with Conservative voters much more supportive of capital punishment [67 per cent said it was at least potentially justifiable] than Labour voters [47 per cent], which helps explain why it continues to be brought up in political discussions”.

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According to a recent global study, the United Kingdom has left behind Canada, Germany and Australia to become one of the most socially liberal nations of the world on the issues of divorce and abortion.

According to a recent global study, the United Kingdom has left behind Canada, Germany and Australia to become one of the most socially liberal nations of the world on the issues of divorce and abortion. In the last five years, Britons have moved further towards acceptance of casual sex, prostitution and homosexuality, the World Values Survey stated, which is a progression from saying earlier that these practices are justifiable. The survey by the Policy Institute at King’s College London is focused on 24 nations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Americas, accounting for around half of the population of the world. ALSO READ | Three-year-old UK boy dresses up as Prince Harry for World Book Day The UK ranked at the top among the four nations which consider matters like casual sex, euthanasia, divorce, abortion, and suicide. Swedes have emerged as the most liberal people on abortion and divorce, the French have liberal thoughts on suicide, and Germans are liberal about euthanasia. “What were once pressing moral concerns – things like homosexuality, divorce and casual sex – have become simple facts of life for much of the public,” said Prof Bobby Duffy, the Policy Institute's director. “This mostly isn’t just driven by younger generations replacing older generations. All generations have changed their views significantly,” he added. WATCH | Gravitas: The UK is no more a great place to live Speaking about the issue of executions, Duffy said that the enthusiasm of the British for the death penalty had softened in recent years, but the matter remains bound up with political identities, “with Conservative voters much more supportive of capital punishment [67 per cent said it was at least potentially justifiable] than Labour voters [47 per cent], which helps explain why it continues to be brought up in political discussions”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK ranks number one among most liberal nations on abortion and divorce: survey

16 years to the day she murdered her five children, a Belgian woman has been euthanised at her own request. On February 28th, 2007, the woman Genevieve Lhermitte slit the throats of her four daughters and one son. Following the mass murder, the woman then tried to take her own life by stabbing herself. However, her suicide attempt failed, and she ended up calling for emergency services. The brutal case shocked the country.&nbsp;

As per AFP, soon after the murders, in 2008, Lhermitte was sentenced to life in prison. Ten years later, in 2019, she was moved to a psychiatric hospital.

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During the trial, her lawyers had argued that the mother of five was mentally disturbed and should not be sent to prison. However, the jury found her guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced her to life in jail.

Reportedly, Lhermitte, who carried out the quintuple murder while her husband had gone out, was seeking psychiatrist care even before the shocking incident.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/as-race-to-space-shoots-up-junk-in-earths-orbit-us-space-command-releases-responsible-space-behaviours-568413">As space race zooms junk in Earth’s orbit, US Space Command shares ‘responsible space behaviours’</a>

Lhermitte's lawyer, Nicolas Cohen, confirmed his client's death via euthanasia. Reportedly, she availed it under the country's laws that allow people to choose euthanasia if they are deemed to be suffering from "unbearable" physical or psychological suffering.

For an individual to choose euthanasia, they must be conscious of their decision and be able to express their wish in a consistent, reasonable manner.

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"It is this specific procedure that Mrs Lhermitte followed, with the various medical opinions having been collected," said her lawyer.

Speaking to RTL-TVI channel, psychologist Emilie Maroit said that Lhermitte might have chosen the 16th anniversary of her children's murder as a "symbolic gesture in respect" for them.

(With inputs from agencies)

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16 years to the day she murdered her five children, a Belgian woman has been euthanised at her own request. On February 28th, 2007, the woman Genevieve Lhermitte slit the throats of her four daughters and one son.

16 years to the day she murdered her five children, a Belgian woman has been euthanised at her own request. On February 28th, 2007, the woman Genevieve Lhermitte slit the throats of her four daughters and one son. Following the mass murder, the woman then tried to take her own life by stabbing herself. However, her suicide attempt failed, and she ended up calling for emergency services. The brutal case shocked the country. As per AFP, soon after the murders, in 2008, Lhermitte was sentenced to life in prison. Ten years later, in 2019, she was moved to a psychiatric hospital. Also read | 'Delhi crimes': Gruesome cases that shocked the Indian national capital During the trial, her lawyers had argued that the mother of five was mentally disturbed and should not be sent to prison. However, the jury found her guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced her to life in jail. Reportedly, Lhermitte, who carried out the quintuple murder while her husband had gone out, was seeking psychiatrist care even before the shocking incident. Also read | As space race zooms junk in Earth’s orbit, US Space Command shares ‘responsible space behaviours’ Lhermitte's lawyer, Nicolas Cohen, confirmed his client's death via euthanasia. Reportedly, she availed it under the country's laws that allow people to choose euthanasia if they are deemed to be suffering from "unbearable" physical or psychological suffering. For an individual to choose euthanasia, they must be conscious of their decision and be able to express their wish in a consistent, reasonable manner. "It is this specific procedure that Mrs Lhermitte followed, with the various medical opinions having been collected," said her lawyer. Speaking to RTL-TVI channel, psychologist Emilie Maroit said that Lhermitte might have chosen the 16th anniversary of her children's murder as a "symbolic gesture in respect" for them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belgian mother slits throats of her five children and 16 years later chooses to die by euthanasia

The Caribbean country of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull the entire population of vervet monkeys, a species that has been labelled as a “nuisance” by locals on the Dutch island. However, critics of the plan suggest that instead of killing, sterilisation or neutering might be a better way to handle the rising numbers of the monkey species.

The plan to kill hundreds of monkeys comes after farmer complaints that the invasive species were “raiding their crops and destroying their livelihood,” reports Guardian.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: CDC accused of importing infected macaques from Cambodia

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An NGO by the name of Nature Foundation St Maarten which as per its website aims to “preserve and enhance its (St Maarten’s) nature for generations to come” will execute the government-funded plan to capture and euthanise more than 450 monkeys over the next three years. The numbers are from a now-outdated survey carried out in 2020.

Sint Maarten’s ministry of tourism, economic affairs, transportation and telecommunication in December approved 100,000NAf ($55,000) in funding per year for the project.

Leslie Hickerson, the NGO’s manager, said that it can be difficult to maintain population size control for invasive species as they lack natural predators in the area.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyas-war-against-feathered-locusts-to-have-wider-consequences-experts-553531">Kenya declares war against millions of birds. Here's why</a>

“Species management is an important aspect of keeping the island healthy for those who come after us,” he said.&nbsp;

The species which is native to southern and eastern Africa was introduced to the region sometime in the 17th century by European settlers who kept them as exotic pets.

Dave Du Toit, founder of the Vervet Monkey Foundation says that the cull is unlikely to work.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-model-rediscovers-australian-bristlebird-feared-lost-since-2020-bushfires-553879">AI model rediscovers Australian Bristlebird feared lost since 2020 bushfires</a>

His non-profit shelters orphaned and injured primates in South Africa where the species is native. He suggests “vasectomise the males and sterilise the females” would work better.&nbsp;

Du Toit also said that research into food disposal practices and the availability of food for wildlife might help in achieving a more harmonious existence between the monkeys and the humans of Sint Maarten.

However, yet another suggestion is to capture and relocate the entire monkey population. The proposition has been offered by Eusebio Richardson, a ranger with the Nature Foundation who says that given how fast these monkeys reproduce, relocation might be the only way to “protect the biodiversity of the island”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Caribbean country of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull the entire population of vervet monkeys, a species that has been labelled as a “nuisance” by locals on the Dutch island.

The Caribbean country of Sint Maarten has approved a controversial plan to cull the entire population of vervet monkeys, a species that has been labelled as a “nuisance” by locals on the Dutch island. However, critics of the plan suggest that instead of killing, sterilisation or neutering might be a better way to handle the rising numbers of the monkey species. The plan to kill hundreds of monkeys comes after farmer complaints that the invasive species were “raiding their crops and destroying their livelihood,” reports Guardian. Watch | Gravitas: CDC accused of importing infected macaques from Cambodia An NGO by the name of Nature Foundation St Maarten which as per its website aims to “preserve and enhance its (St Maarten’s) nature for generations to come” will execute the government-funded plan to capture and euthanise more than 450 monkeys over the next three years. The numbers are from a now-outdated survey carried out in 2020. Sint Maarten’s ministry of tourism, economic affairs, transportation and telecommunication in December approved 100,000NAf ($55,000) in funding per year for the project. Leslie Hickerson, the NGO’s manager, said that it can be difficult to maintain population size control for invasive species as they lack natural predators in the area. Also read | Kenya declares war against millions of birds. Here's why “Species management is an important aspect of keeping the island healthy for those who come after us,” he said. The species which is native to southern and eastern Africa was introduced to the region sometime in the 17th century by European settlers who kept them as exotic pets. Dave Du Toit, founder of the Vervet Monkey Foundation says that the cull is unlikely to work. Also read | AI model rediscovers Australian Bristlebird feared lost since 2020 bushfires His non-profit shelters orphaned and injured primates in South Africa where the species is native. He suggests “vasectomise the males and sterilise the females” would work better. Du Toit also said that research into food disposal practices and the availability of food for wildlife might help in achieving a more harmonious existence between the monkeys and the humans of Sint Maarten. However, yet another suggestion is to capture and relocate the entire monkey population. The proposition has been offered by Eusebio Richardson, a ranger with the Nature Foundation who says that given how fast these monkeys reproduce, relocation might be the only way to “protect the biodiversity of the island”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sint Maarten to capture and kill entire population of vervet monkeys. Here's why

Facing backlash from several quarters, the Canadian government has decided to delay expanding euthanasia or medically assisted death facility to people with mental illness.

Facing backlash from several quarters, the Canadian government has decided to delay expanding euthanasia or medically assisted death facility to people with mental illness. Canada's Justice Minister David Lametti last week acknowledged that the government was listening and that more time was required to get the proposal right. “We are listening to what we are hearing and being responsive, to make sure we move forward in a prudent way. We know we need to get this right in order to protect those who are vulnerable and also to support an individual’s autonomy and freedom of choice." Earlier, the government had kept plans to broaden euthanasia under the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation, starting mid-March next year. Read more: Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal The critics of the law argue that the Canadian healthcare system is not prepared enough to handle complicated mental illness cases. Expediting the facility to all could have had far-reaching and in some cases, devastating consequences. A petition filed by the Society of Canadian Psychiatry, a national voluntary professional association with 4,700 psychiatrists on the roster has urged the government to delay the expansion of MAiD until 2024. WATCH | Gravitas: Can a person end their own life to escape pain? × Meanwhile, the supporters have called the 'delay', a discriminatory step for mentally challenged individuals and that it promotes stigmatisation. The law, which first came into being in 2016 only allowed patients with terminal illness to have the access to the procedure. However, after criticism and court cases, in 2019, a Quebec judge ordered that the law, deemed unconstitutional at the time also allow adults who didn't have a reasonably foreseeable death to have the opportunity to avail the procedure. Read more: Experts raise alarm as Canada expands euthanasia to cover those with mental illnesses As a result, 'Bill C-7' was passed in March last year which reflected the judge's concerns. However, the legislators imposed a two-year ban on patients with mental illness receiving assisted death. A study was ordered to understand the complex situation which will end in March next year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Canada delays euthanasia for mentally ill after facing criticism

Canada's children as young as 12-year-old kids might be able to apply for Euthanasia very soon. The law will allow mentally ill people to apply for euthanasia.

Canada seeks to liberalise Euthanasia laws, to allow 'mentally ill' people to die

Starting mid-march, Canada will allow medical euthanasia for people plagued with mental disorders under the country's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation.&nbsp;From March 17, the law in Canada expands to include those suffering from medical illnesses. Currently, as per VOA, the law only applies to people whose death is deemed "reasonable foreseeable death" or those who suffer from a debilitating illness.

Watch | What is euthanasia?

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The proposed expansion of MAiD has garnered mixed reactions. While patients who had previously faced rejections of their assisted suicide requests and who now find the path to a "release" easier are all in favour of the new law. However, others including experts are in vehement opposition.

CTV News reports that the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada, which includes the directors of the departments of psychiatry at all 17 medical schools, has&nbsp;requested that the modification to the MAiD law&nbsp;be postponed.

In a statement released on Thursday, the association&nbsp;notes that significant, unsolved concerns include the lack of public education on suicide prevention and a clear definition of irremediability or the point at which recovery is impossible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

Dr Valerie Taylor, who heads the group, said that while a lot of work is being done in Canada, "further time is required to increase awareness of this change and establish guidelines and standards to which clinicians, patients and the public can turn to for more education and information."

The University of Manitoba's director of the psychiatry department, Dr Jitender Sareen, said , that if a patient wants MAiD solely for mental health conditions, "we don't have the clear standards around definitions of who's eligible. How many assessments and what kinds of assessment would they actually need?"

Victoria-based lawyer Chris Considine has been at the forefront of advocating for euthanasia, and supports cases that include terminal illnesses like cancer or ALS but says that mental health cases are not clear-cut.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portugals-parliament-passes-bill-decriminalising-euthanasia-for-third-time-541712">Portugal's parliament passes bill decriminalising euthanasia for third time</a>

As per him, while mental health issues have grown their treatment hasn't.

“In addition, there are underlying causes for mental health which are not strictly organic," VOA quotes Considine as saying.&nbsp;

He adds that mental health problems can stem from many reasons, "there may be depression caused by poor housing, poor job prospects and other issues, which will drive people into a deep depression. Those issues could be solved, and therefore, there may not really be a need for MAiD."

In his opinion, the March date needs to be pushed back or at least strict guidelines need to be put in place so MAiD "does not become a substitute for housing, health care and other forms of social assistance".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Starting mid-march, Canada will allow medical euthanasia for people plagued with mental disorders under the country's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation.

Starting mid-march, Canada will allow medical euthanasia for people plagued with mental disorders under the country's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation. From March 17, the law in Canada expands to include those suffering from medical illnesses. Currently, as per VOA, the law only applies to people whose death is deemed "reasonable foreseeable death" or those who suffer from a debilitating illness. Watch | What is euthanasia? The proposed expansion of MAiD has garnered mixed reactions. While patients who had previously faced rejections of their assisted suicide requests and who now find the path to a "release" easier are all in favour of the new law. However, others including experts are in vehement opposition. CTV News reports that the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada, which includes the directors of the departments of psychiatry at all 17 medical schools, has requested that the modification to the MAiD law be postponed. In a statement released on Thursday, the association notes that significant, unsolved concerns include the lack of public education on suicide prevention and a clear definition of irremediability or the point at which recovery is impossible. Also read | Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal Dr Valerie Taylor, who heads the group, said that while a lot of work is being done in Canada, "further time is required to increase awareness of this change and establish guidelines and standards to which clinicians, patients and the public can turn to for more education and information." The University of Manitoba's director of the psychiatry department, Dr Jitender Sareen, said , that if a patient wants MAiD solely for mental health conditions, "we don't have the clear standards around definitions of who's eligible. How many assessments and what kinds of assessment would they actually need?" Victoria-based lawyer Chris Considine has been at the forefront of advocating for euthanasia, and supports cases that include terminal illnesses like cancer or ALS but says that mental health cases are not clear-cut. Also read | Portugal's parliament passes bill decriminalising euthanasia for third time As per him, while mental health issues have grown their treatment hasn't. “In addition, there are underlying causes for mental health which are not strictly organic," VOA quotes Considine as saying. He adds that mental health problems can stem from many reasons, "there may be depression caused by poor housing, poor job prospects and other issues, which will drive people into a deep depression. Those issues could be solved, and therefore, there may not really be a need for MAiD." In his opinion, the March date needs to be pushed back or at least strict guidelines need to be put in place so MAiD "does not become a substitute for housing, health care and other forms of social assistance". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Experts raise alarm as Canada expands euthanasia to cover those with mental illnesses

Portugal's parliament voted in favour of decriminalising euthanasia for the third time after the past two attempts to pass the legislation were vetoed by the country’s president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. “Medically-assisted death” was legalised by Belgium and the Netherlands more than two decades ago and several European countries have followed suit in the last few years. However, Portugal is yet to join the list due to the conservative approach taken by top authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-summit-to-not-happen-this-year-due-to-scheduling-issues-541617">India-Russia summit to not happen this year due to 'scheduling issues'</a>

The Socialist party, which enjoys an absolute majority in parliament, voted in favour of decriminalising euthanasia. However, the bill will only be passed after the president signs it.

The president said Thursday that he will take his decision "certainly before Christmas".

Reuters reported the bill advocates "the right to life cannot be turned into an obligation to live under any circumstances". However, it has been opposed by various groups recently with Catholic Doctors' Association saying that it "brings Portugal closer to more permissive legislation".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/basketball-star-brittney-griner-arrives-home-in-us-after-russia-prisoner-swap-541616">Basketball star Brittney Griner arrives home in US after Russia prisoner swap</a>

According to the latest bill, euthanasia will be reserved for adults with "serious and incurable illness" and patients who have made a "reiterated" and "free and informed" personal decision.

In 2021, after the legislation won the parliamentary vote for the second time, it was sent to the constitutional court. Although the court said that it can be allowed with a few amendments, the president of the country still decided to not sign on it citing religious reasons.

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Portugal's parliament voted in favour of decriminalising euthanasia for the third time after the past two attempts to pass the legislation were vetoed by the country’s president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Portugal's parliament voted in favour of decriminalising euthanasia for the third time after the past two attempts to pass the legislation were vetoed by the country’s president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. “Medically-assisted death” was legalised by Belgium and the Netherlands more than two decades ago and several European countries have followed suit in the last few years. However, Portugal is yet to join the list due to the conservative approach taken by top authorities. Also read | India-Russia summit to not happen this year due to 'scheduling issues' The Socialist party, which enjoys an absolute majority in parliament, voted in favour of decriminalising euthanasia. However, the bill will only be passed after the president signs it. The president said Thursday that he will take his decision "certainly before Christmas". Reuters reported the bill advocates "the right to life cannot be turned into an obligation to live under any circumstances". However, it has been opposed by various groups recently with Catholic Doctors' Association saying that it "brings Portugal closer to more permissive legislation". Also read | Basketball star Brittney Griner arrives home in US after Russia prisoner swap According to the latest bill, euthanasia will be reserved for adults with "serious and incurable illness" and patients who have made a "reiterated" and "free and informed" personal decision. In 2021, after the legislation won the parliamentary vote for the second time, it was sent to the constitutional court. Although the court said that it can be allowed with a few amendments, the president of the country still decided to not sign on it citing religious reasons.

Portugal's parliament passes bill decriminalising euthanasia for third time

The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they?

A 23-year woman who had survived a terror attack when she was a teenager has died after she chose to be euthanised. Shanti De Corte was plagued by depression and PTSD due to the bomb detonation she witnessed back when she was 17 years old.

On March 22, 2016, as she and her schoolmates were making their way through the departures area of the Belgian airport in Zaventem in preparation for a vacation to Italy, an ISIS bomb went off.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: This 'Suicide Pod' ensures 'painless death' in a minute

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The explosion as per Daily Mail claimed 32 lives, additionally, more than 300 people were injured.

Though Shanti escaped the explosion physically unscathed, mentally she suffered every day since. The ordeal left her psychologically crippled, suffering through frequent panic attacks and bouts of depressive episodes.&nbsp;The troubled young woman is the terror attack's latest and the 33rd victim.

Shanti sought help from a psychiatric facility in her home town of Antwerp and was even put on anti-depressant medications. However, the psychological trauma was too heavy and she attempted suicide twice; once in 2018 and once in 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-court-allows-euthanasia-for-paraplegic-gunman-awaiting-trail-504289">Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail</a>

Finally, in May of this year, she opted to be euthanised.

Euthanasia is legal in Belgium for individuals in "a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident".

As per RTBF, two psychiatrists approved Shanti's formal request to be euthanised earlier this year.&nbsp;She died on May 7, 2022, however, her story only recently came to light after her mother Marielle spoke to VRT news.&nbsp;'That day really cracked her, she never felt safe after that,' said Shanti's mother.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

Before she opted to die, Shanti frequently took to social media and recalled the horrors she witnessed. In one post she shared how at one point she was taking up to 11 antidepressants a day, "I couldn't live without it".

"With all the medications I take, I feel like a ghost that can't feel anything anymore. Maybe there were other solutions than medications," she wrote.

In a final post, she posted on the day she died, Shanti wrote "I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already."

(With inputs from agencies)

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.

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The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they?

The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they? A 23-year woman who had survived a terror attack when she was a teenager has died after she chose to be euthanised. Shanti De Corte was plagued by depression and PTSD due to the bomb detonation she witnessed back when she was 17 years old. On March 22, 2016, as she and her schoolmates were making their way through the departures area of the Belgian airport in Zaventem in preparation for a vacation to Italy, an ISIS bomb went off. Watch | Gravitas: This 'Suicide Pod' ensures 'painless death' in a minute The explosion as per Daily Mail claimed 32 lives, additionally, more than 300 people were injured. Though Shanti escaped the explosion physically unscathed, mentally she suffered every day since. The ordeal left her psychologically crippled, suffering through frequent panic attacks and bouts of depressive episodes. The troubled young woman is the terror attack's latest and the 33rd victim. Shanti sought help from a psychiatric facility in her home town of Antwerp and was even put on anti-depressant medications. However, the psychological trauma was too heavy and she attempted suicide twice; once in 2018 and once in 2020. Also read | Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail Finally, in May of this year, she opted to be euthanised. Euthanasia is legal in Belgium for individuals in "a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident". As per RTBF, two psychiatrists approved Shanti's formal request to be euthanised earlier this year. She died on May 7, 2022, however, her story only recently came to light after her mother Marielle spoke to VRT news. 'That day really cracked her, she never felt safe after that,' said Shanti's mother. Also read | Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal Before she opted to die, Shanti frequently took to social media and recalled the horrors she witnessed. In one post she shared how at one point she was taking up to 11 antidepressants a day, "I couldn't live without it". "With all the medications I take, I feel like a ghost that can't feel anything anymore. Maybe there were other solutions than medications," she wrote. In a final post, she posted on the day she died, Shanti wrote "I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already." (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belgium woman gets euthanised after battling post-terror attack mental trauma for six years

A paralysed man in Spain has been euthanised before he could face a court trial for going on a shooting rampage last year where he wounded four pepole.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Marin Eugen Sabau, 46, a Romanian security guard shot three former colleagues and a police officer while suffering multiple injuries last December.&nbsp;

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-announces-limits-on-air-conditioning-and-heating-to-conserve-energy-503261">&nbsp;Spain announces limits on air conditioning and heating but Madrid's leader will have nothing of it</a>

Eugen was hit in the spine which left him paralysed. Moreover, one of his legs was amputated by the doctors as it could have led to the spread of the infection. Unable to move and suffering from unbearable pain, Eugen appealed to the Spanish courts to be euthanised before facing a court trial.

“I’m paraplegic. I’ve got 45 stitches in one hand and I can barely move my left arm. I’m full of screws and I can’t feel my chest.” Eugen had remarked in a statement released from the prison.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the victims and their families argued that Eugen should be brought to justice using the judicial mechanism. "It was not about preventing euthanasia, but we did want the victims to have a fair trial," one victim's lawyer&nbsp;was quoted as saying by Spanish media outlets.&nbsp;

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/spanish-slaughterhouses-ordered-to-install-video-surveillance-to-stop-mistreatment-of-animals-509760">&nbsp;Spanish slaughterhouses ordered to install video surveillance to stop mistreatment of animals</a>

It is pertinent to note that Spain’s euthanasia law allows adults with “serious and incurable” conditions that cause “unbearable suffering” to choose to end their lives.

However, this case has opened the pandora's box of moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding euthanasia. While most euthanasia cases are rather vanilla in the way they are approached, this particular case has a few more caveats.&nbsp;

The moral dilemma of allowing a shooter to get scot free when he inflicted mental and physical trauma on not one but four individuals can be a major philosophical question for debates. Secondly, the victims never got their closure and will continue to believe that the shooter had his final say.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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&nbsp;

A paralysed man in Spain has been euthanised before he could face a court trial for going on a shooting rampage last year where he wounded four pepole. Reportedly, Marin Eugen Sabau, 46, a Romanian security guard shot three former colleagues and a police officer while suffering multiple injuries last December.

A paralysed man in Spain has been euthanised before he could face a court trial for going on a shooting rampage last year where he wounded four pepole. Reportedly, Marin Eugen Sabau, 46, a Romanian security guard shot three former colleagues and a police officer while suffering multiple injuries last December. Read more: Spain announces limits on air conditioning and heating but Madrid's leader will have nothing of it Eugen was hit in the spine which left him paralysed. Moreover, one of his legs was amputated by the doctors as it could have led to the spread of the infection. Unable to move and suffering from unbearable pain, Eugen appealed to the Spanish courts to be euthanised before facing a court trial. “I’m paraplegic. I’ve got 45 stitches in one hand and I can barely move my left arm. I’m full of screws and I can’t feel my chest.” Eugen had remarked in a statement released from the prison. Meanwhile, the victims and their families argued that Eugen should be brought to justice using the judicial mechanism. "It was not about preventing euthanasia, but we did want the victims to have a fair trial," one victim's lawyer was quoted as saying by Spanish media outlets. Read more: Spanish slaughterhouses ordered to install video surveillance to stop mistreatment of animals It is pertinent to note that Spain’s euthanasia law allows adults with “serious and incurable” conditions that cause “unbearable suffering” to choose to end their lives. However, this case has opened the pandora's box of moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding euthanasia. While most euthanasia cases are rather vanilla in the way they are approached, this particular case has a few more caveats. The moral dilemma of allowing a shooter to get scot free when he inflicted mental and physical trauma on not one but four individuals can be a major philosophical question for debates. Secondly, the victims never got their closure and will continue to believe that the shooter had his final say. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Spain: Shooter euthanised before facing trial in court; no closure for victims

Authorities in Norway claim they are considering killing a walrus that gained popularity while enjoying the sun in the Oslo fjord because of the threat it poses to the general public and to itself from the tourists. Freya, a young female walrus who weighs 600 kg (1,300 pounds), has drawn large audiences despite repeated requests for the public to stay away from the animal, according to the fisheries directorate.

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If you guys are having a bad day, try to go to Youtube and search "Freya Walrus Norway". 
 
This majestic creature is now my spirit animal lmao. <a href="https://t.co/oEbASxiCM6">https://t.co/oEbASxiCM6</a>
— Zakwan Khidzir (@zakwan_khidzir) <a href="https://twitter.com/zakwan_khidzir/status/1556122140214104067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It published a picture of a gathering of onlookers gathered close to the animal. As reported by The Guardian, Nadia Jdaini, a spokesperson for the fisheries agency said, “The public’s reckless behaviour and failure to follow authorities’ recommendations could put lives in danger. We are now exploring other measures, and euthanasia may be a real alternative.”

Freya, so named after the Norse goddess of love and beauty, has garnered media attention ever since she was first spotted in the waters off the coast of the Norwegian capital on July 17. Walruses typically inhabit the Arctic's extremely northernmost regions. Freya has been captured on camera chasing a duck, biting a swan, and, more frequently than not, dozing on boats that are having trouble supporting her weight. A walrus can sleep for up to 20 hours each day.

On Twitter, there has been an outpouring of love for her after pictures of her climbing aboard ships surfaced. In a documentary about Freya, one marine expert said: "Watching a walrus on land is like watching a cow zipped up in a sleeping bag." Some individuals have encouraged people to heed authorities' advice and leave Freya alone so she can live amid fears the famous walrus may be put to death.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-study-reveals-arctic-warming-four-times-and-svalbard-seven-times-faster-than-rest-of-planet-506160">&nbsp;In pics: Study reveals Arctic warming four times and Svalbard seven times faster than rest of planet</a>

Despite the advice, a few inquisitive bystanders have persisted in approaching her, occasionally with kids in tow, to take pictures of her. Her condition has certainly deteriorated, Jdaini stated. The walrus isn't getting enough sleep, and the experts we've talked to now think the animal may be stressed.&nbsp;

Walruses are a protected species that typically consume molluscs, small fish, shrimp, and crabs. According to authorities, they don't typically attack people but they might if they feel threatened.

(with inputs from agencies)

Authorities in Norway claim they are considering killing a walrus that gained popularity while enjoying the sun in the Oslo fjord because of the threat it poses to the general public and to itself from the tourists.

Authorities in Norway claim they are considering killing a walrus that gained popularity while enjoying the sun in the Oslo fjord because of the threat it poses to the general public and to itself from the tourists. Freya, a young female walrus who weighs 600 kg (1,300 pounds), has drawn large audiences despite repeated requests for the public to stay away from the animal, according to the fisheries directorate. If you guys are having a bad day, try to go to Youtube and search "Freya Walrus Norway". This majestic creature is now my spirit animal lmao. https://t.co/oEbASxiCM6 — Zakwan Khidzir (@zakwan_khidzir) August 7, 2022 × It published a picture of a gathering of onlookers gathered close to the animal. As reported by The Guardian, Nadia Jdaini, a spokesperson for the fisheries agency said, “The public’s reckless behaviour and failure to follow authorities’ recommendations could put lives in danger. We are now exploring other measures, and euthanasia may be a real alternative.” Freya, so named after the Norse goddess of love and beauty, has garnered media attention ever since she was first spotted in the waters off the coast of the Norwegian capital on July 17. Walruses typically inhabit the Arctic's extremely northernmost regions. Freya has been captured on camera chasing a duck, biting a swan, and, more frequently than not, dozing on boats that are having trouble supporting her weight. A walrus can sleep for up to 20 hours each day. On Twitter, there has been an outpouring of love for her after pictures of her climbing aboard ships surfaced. In a documentary about Freya, one marine expert said: "Watching a walrus on land is like watching a cow zipped up in a sleeping bag." Some individuals have encouraged people to heed authorities' advice and leave Freya alone so she can live amid fears the famous walrus may be put to death. Also Read: In pics: Study reveals Arctic warming four times and Svalbard seven times faster than rest of planet Despite the advice, a few inquisitive bystanders have persisted in approaching her, occasionally with kids in tow, to take pictures of her. Her condition has certainly deteriorated, Jdaini stated. The walrus isn't getting enough sleep, and the experts we've talked to now think the animal may be stressed. Walruses are a protected species that typically consume molluscs, small fish, shrimp, and crabs. According to authorities, they don't typically attack people but they might if they feel threatened. (with inputs from agencies)

Watch: Freya the walrus could be euthanised if crowds don’t stay away, warn Norwegian authorities

In a landmark ruling for euthanasia, a Spanish court has allowed a paraplegic man facing trial for a shooting spree the right to apply for assisted suicide before facing justice.

Observing that euthanasia was a “fundamental right, the national court in Tarragona said that the right to euthanasia law passed last year doesn’t allow the court to intervene in a such case whether the person is incarcerated, awaiting trial or not.

The ruling on July 8 acknowledged that the law could not have anticipated a situation where a person facing criminal charges might request assisted dying.

Spain’s euthanasia law allows adults with “serious and incurable” conditions that cause “unbearable suffering” to choose to end their lives, reports The Guardian.

Last December, Marin Eugen Sabau, 46, a Romanian security guard, shot and injured his three former co-workers at a security company in Tarragona in eastern Spain. He was later apprehended after he was shot in the spine by a police marksman.

In July, Sabau released a statement released from the prison revealing why he went on a killing spree and why he seeks euthanasia.

&nbsp;“I’m paraplegic. I’ve got 45 stitches in one hand, and I can barely move my left arm. I’m full of screws and I can’t feel my chest,” he said.

Sabau claimed exploited and faced racist slurs by his bosses at the Securitas company who had made his life “a living hell”. Before the attack, he said that he sent an email to his superiors saying, “I’ve got no option, I will take the law into my own hands. Lessons learned with blood aren’t easily forgotten.”

He also claimed that the Catalan police fired first without warning and continued to fire when he was unconscious.

Meanwhile, the court’s ruling has angered the lawyers representing the wounded police officer who has decided to appeal to the constitutional court.

“The national court’s decision is erroneous. It hasn’t taken into account the victims’ suffering nor their dignity,” Antonio Bitos, the lawyer representing the wounded officer, was quoted as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a landmark ruling for euthanasia, a Spanish court has allowed a paraplegic man facing trial for a shooting spree the right to apply for assisted suicide before facing justice.

In a landmark ruling for euthanasia, a Spanish court has allowed a paraplegic man facing trial for a shooting spree the right to apply for assisted suicide before facing justice. Observing that euthanasia was a “fundamental right, the national court in Tarragona said that the right to euthanasia law passed last year doesn’t allow the court to intervene in a such case whether the person is incarcerated, awaiting trial or not. The ruling on July 8 acknowledged that the law could not have anticipated a situation where a person facing criminal charges might request assisted dying. Spain’s euthanasia law allows adults with “serious and incurable” conditions that cause “unbearable suffering” to choose to end their lives, reports The Guardian. Last December, Marin Eugen Sabau, 46, a Romanian security guard, shot and injured his three former co-workers at a security company in Tarragona in eastern Spain. He was later apprehended after he was shot in the spine by a police marksman. In July, Sabau released a statement released from the prison revealing why he went on a killing spree and why he seeks euthanasia. “I’m paraplegic. I’ve got 45 stitches in one hand, and I can barely move my left arm. I’m full of screws and I can’t feel my chest,” he said. Sabau claimed exploited and faced racist slurs by his bosses at the Securitas company who had made his life “a living hell”. Before the attack, he said that he sent an email to his superiors saying, “I’ve got no option, I will take the law into my own hands. Lessons learned with blood aren’t easily forgotten.” He also claimed that the Catalan police fired first without warning and continued to fire when he was unconscious. Meanwhile, the court’s ruling has angered the lawyers representing the wounded police officer who has decided to appeal to the constitutional court. “The national court’s decision is erroneous. It hasn’t taken into account the victims’ suffering nor their dignity,” Antonio Bitos, the lawyer representing the wounded officer, was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail

Australia is considering lifting a ban on euthanasia after 25 years as on Monday (August 1), a new bill was introduced in the Australian Parliament seeking to lift the ban on doctor-assisted suicide in two territories.&nbsp;

Luke Gosling, who is a government lawmaker, representing a Northern Territory electorate, told Parliament: "For too long Australians living in the territories have been treated as second-class citizens."&nbsp;

In 1995 (a period between 1996 and 1997), the Northern Territory in Australia became the first place in the world to legalize voluntary euthanasia. However, the landmark move was overturned by the parliament after two years.&nbsp;

It was overturned after four terminally ill people had been legally helped to die. The cases in the Northern Territory left that region one of the last parts of Australia where euthanasia remains banned.&nbsp;

A bill was introduced to the House of Representatives by Luke Gosling and his fellow legislator Alicia Payne. The bill would allow the legislatures of the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory to legalise euthanasia. &nbsp;

As compared to the six states, the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory do not have the same legal rights.&nbsp;

Peruvian Supreme Court upholds woman's right to euthanasia

Recently, Peru's Supreme Court confirmed a ruling by a judge in Lima recognising the right to euthanasia in the case of a woman suffering from an incurable and degenerative disease.

"With four votes, the sentence in question is partially approved," the ruling said, with two judges dissenting. The exact euthanasia procedure is yet to be decided.&nbsp;

The court's decision upheld a February 2021 ruling by a Lima court of appeals saying that the Ministry of Health and the country's national health insurance agency must "respect the decision" of 45-year-old Ana Estrada "to put an end to her life through the technical procedure of&nbsp;euthanasia."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Australia is considering lifting a ban on euthanasia after 25 years as on Monday (August 1), a new bill was introduced in the Australian Parliament seeking to lift the ban on doctor-assisted suicide in two territories.

Australia is considering lifting a ban on euthanasia after 25 years as on Monday (August 1), a new bill was introduced in the Australian Parliament seeking to lift the ban on doctor-assisted suicide in two territories. Luke Gosling, who is a government lawmaker, representing a Northern Territory electorate, told Parliament: "For too long Australians living in the territories have been treated as second-class citizens." In 1995 (a period between 1996 and 1997), the Northern Territory in Australia became the first place in the world to legalize voluntary euthanasia. However, the landmark move was overturned by the parliament after two years. It was overturned after four terminally ill people had been legally helped to die. The cases in the Northern Territory left that region one of the last parts of Australia where euthanasia remains banned. A bill was introduced to the House of Representatives by Luke Gosling and his fellow legislator Alicia Payne. The bill would allow the legislatures of the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory to legalise euthanasia. As compared to the six states, the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory do not have the same legal rights. Peruvian Supreme Court upholds woman's right to euthanasia Recently, Peru's Supreme Court confirmed a ruling by a judge in Lima recognising the right to euthanasia in the case of a woman suffering from an incurable and degenerative disease. "With four votes, the sentence in question is partially approved," the ruling said, with two judges dissenting. The exact euthanasia procedure is yet to be decided. The court's decision upheld a February 2021 ruling by a Lima court of appeals saying that the Ministry of Health and the country's national health insurance agency must "respect the decision" of 45-year-old Ana Estrada "to put an end to her life through the technical procedure of euthanasia." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After 25 years, Australia mulls lifting euthanasia ban

Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal

Assisted medical suicide for patients has been authorised in Colombia on Thursday, media reports said. The move has made it the first Latin American country to come up with such a ruling. The measure can now be taken under the supervision of a doctor, as per a decision of a constitutional court. A seriously ill patient can now be helped by a doctor to end his own life. This can be done by taking a lethal pill. The person will not be charged or jailed, the country's apex court ruled. &nbsp;

The court ruling, which was passed by six votes to three on Thursday, said, "The doctor who helps someone with intense suffering or serious illness and who freely decides to dispose of their own life, acts within the constitutional framework." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943" hreflang="en">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

In 1997, Colombia decriminalised euthanasia. A high court in July 2021 expanded the "right to dignified death" for patients not suffering from a terminal illness. &nbsp;

Euthanasia is where a doctor administers a life-ending pill to a patient. &nbsp;

Since 1997, around 200 people have chosen euthanasia in Colombia, as per official data. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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This has happened even when the nation is mostly Roman Catholic. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are generally opposed to the church. &nbsp;

The difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide "is basically who administers the drug", as per the Right to Die with Dignity foundation (DMD). &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Assisted medical suicide for patients has been authorised in Colombia on Thursday, media reports said. The move has made it the first Latin American country to come up with such a ruling.

Assisted medical suicide for patients has been authorised in Colombia on Thursday, media reports said. The move has made it the first Latin American country to come up with such a ruling. The measure can now be taken under the supervision of a doctor, as per a decision of a constitutional court. A seriously ill patient can now be helped by a doctor to end his own life. This can be done by taking a lethal pill. The person will not be charged or jailed, the country's apex court ruled. The court ruling, which was passed by six votes to three on Thursday, said, "The doctor who helps someone with intense suffering or serious illness and who freely decides to dispose of their own life, acts within the constitutional framework." Also Read: Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal In 1997, Colombia decriminalised euthanasia. A high court in July 2021 expanded the "right to dignified death" for patients not suffering from a terminal illness. Euthanasia is where a doctor administers a life-ending pill to a patient. Since 1997, around 200 people have chosen euthanasia in Colombia, as per official data. WATCH WION LIVE HERE This has happened even when the nation is mostly Roman Catholic. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are generally opposed to the church. The difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide "is basically who administers the drug", as per the Right to Die with Dignity foundation (DMD). (With inputs from agencies)

Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients

Golden butterflies adorn the walls of the Netherland's only&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;expertise centre, put up in remembrance of thousands of patients who have chosen to die with dignity over the past two decades.

Situated in a leafy upmarket suburb of The Hague, the&nbsp;Euthanasia&nbsp;Expertise Centre is the only one of its kind, giving information, assisting medical doctors and providing&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;as end-of-life care, which was legalised in a world first in the Netherlands on April 1, 2002.&nbsp;

Belgium soon followed later that year and Spain last year became the sixth country to adopt&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;-- the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve a person's suffering, for instance through a lethal injection given by a doctor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/right-to-die-italy-court-refuses-to-allow-euthanasia-referendum-453723">'Right-to-die': Italy court refuses to allow euthanasia referendum</a>

The number of people seeking&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;is growing in the Netherlands, with some 7,666 last year, up by more than 10 percent from the year before, according to official figures.

The vast majority are aged 60 or over, suffering from cancer or other terminal illnesses.

"Twenty years ago, when the law was passed it was known, but certainly not used as often as today," said Sonja Kersten, director of the&nbsp;Euthanasia&nbsp;Expertise Centre.

The reasons are many: an ageing Dutch population; the fact that&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;is no longer a taboo subject and society has opened up to the issue.

"Dying with dignity is a debate that's growing within Dutch society, which is quite open to the subject," Kersten said.

Existential question

Euthanasia&nbsp;is only authorised in a few countries around the world.&nbsp;

In Belgium, which will mark two decades of&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;in May, some 40 French citizens also benefitted from the practice last year.

The decision to ask for&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;as end-of-life care remains a "difficult and&nbsp;existential question", Kersten said.

"It's neither a patient's right, nor a doctor's duty," to have&nbsp;euthanasia, she added.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-euthanasia-and-marijuana-new-zealand-targets-smoking-378060">&nbsp;After euthanasia and marijuana, New Zealand targets smoking</a>

In the Netherlands,&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;can only be carried out under strict conditions set down in Dutch law.

Children aged up to 16 need the permission of their parents and guardians, while parents must be involved in the process for children aged 16 and 17. From 18, any Dutch citizen may ask for assisted death.&nbsp;

In all cases, the patient must have "unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement" and must have requested to die in a way that is "voluntary, well considered and with full conviction".&nbsp;

Other criteria apply as well, like the absence of a reasonable alternative to the patient's situation.

Doctors, too, cannot be forced to perform&nbsp;euthanasia.

Die at home

The&nbsp;Euthanasia&nbsp;Expertise Centre helps doctors through the process by sharing knowledge and providing guidance. At the same time, the centre helps patients whose doctors refuse to help them.

The centre, established in 2012, is a foundation but patient care is reimbursed by health insurers.

It first positioned itself as the "Levenseindekliniek", Dutch for "End-of-life clinic", offering on-site&nbsp;euthanasia.

But even before the start, it became apparent that most patients preferred to die at home, Kersten said.

Today, the centre can call upon a network of about 140 doctors and nurses around the country, employed by the&nbsp;Euthanasia&nbsp;Expertise Centre.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

Most&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;requests, however, are handled by the patient's own physician, with whom they already have a relationship of trust.&nbsp;Last year, this was the case for 80 percent of euthanasias performed in the country.

"There are however still doctors in the Netherlands who are opposed to&nbsp;euthanasia," said Kersten, adding "they have every right".

The centre's medical team itself provided&nbsp;euthanasia&nbsp;to nearly 900 people in 2020, out of nearly 3,000 requests, with figures on the rise.

About 20 percent had dementia or psychiatric disorders.

The Netherlands' highest court ruled in 2020 that doctors can euthanise patients with severe dementia without the fear of prosecution.&nbsp;

It concerns patients with advanced dementia who are no longer mentally competent, but who previously had a clear request for euthanasia.

The decision followed a landmark case, not related to the Expertise centre, in which a doctor was acquitted of providing euthanasia on a woman in 2016 with severe Alzheimer's disease, who earlier requested the procedure.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Can a person end their own life to escape pain?

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Golden butterflies adorn the walls of the Netherland's only euthanasia expertise centre, put up in remembrance of thousands of patients who have chosen to die with dignity over the past two decades.

Golden butterflies adorn the walls of the Netherland's only euthanasia expertise centre, put up in remembrance of thousands of patients who have chosen to die with dignity over the past two decades. Situated in a leafy upmarket suburb of The Hague, the Euthanasia Expertise Centre is the only one of its kind, giving information, assisting medical doctors and providing euthanasia as end-of-life care, which was legalised in a world first in the Netherlands on April 1, 2002. Belgium soon followed later that year and Spain last year became the sixth country to adopt euthanasia -- the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve a person's suffering, for instance through a lethal injection given by a doctor. Also read | 'Right-to-die': Italy court refuses to allow euthanasia referendum The number of people seeking euthanasia is growing in the Netherlands, with some 7,666 last year, up by more than 10 percent from the year before, according to official figures. The vast majority are aged 60 or over, suffering from cancer or other terminal illnesses. "Twenty years ago, when the law was passed it was known, but certainly not used as often as today," said Sonja Kersten, director of the Euthanasia Expertise Centre. The reasons are many: an ageing Dutch population; the fact that euthanasia is no longer a taboo subject and society has opened up to the issue. "Dying with dignity is a debate that's growing within Dutch society, which is quite open to the subject," Kersten said. Existential question Euthanasia is only authorised in a few countries around the world. In Belgium, which will mark two decades of euthanasia in May, some 40 French citizens also benefitted from the practice last year. The decision to ask for euthanasia as end-of-life care remains a "difficult and existential question", Kersten said. "It's neither a patient's right, nor a doctor's duty," to have euthanasia, she added. Also read | After euthanasia and marijuana, New Zealand targets smoking In the Netherlands, euthanasia can only be carried out under strict conditions set down in Dutch law. Children aged up to 16 need the permission of their parents and guardians, while parents must be involved in the process for children aged 16 and 17. From 18, any Dutch citizen may ask for assisted death. In all cases, the patient must have "unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement" and must have requested to die in a way that is "voluntary, well considered and with full conviction". Other criteria apply as well, like the absence of a reasonable alternative to the patient's situation. Doctors, too, cannot be forced to perform euthanasia. Die at home The Euthanasia Expertise Centre helps doctors through the process by sharing knowledge and providing guidance. At the same time, the centre helps patients whose doctors refuse to help them. The centre, established in 2012, is a foundation but patient care is reimbursed by health insurers. It first positioned itself as the "Levenseindekliniek", Dutch for "End-of-life clinic", offering on-site euthanasia. But even before the start, it became apparent that most patients preferred to die at home, Kersten said. Today, the centre can call upon a network of about 140 doctors and nurses around the country, employed by the Euthanasia Expertise Centre. Also read | Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal Most euthanasia requests, however, are handled by the patient's own physician, with whom they already have a relationship of trust. Last year, this was the case for 80 percent of euthanasias performed in the country. "There are however still doctors in the Netherlands who are opposed to euthanasia," said Kersten, adding "they have every right". The centre's medical team itself provided euthanasia to nearly 900 people in 2020, out of nearly 3,000 requests, with figures on the rise. About 20 percent had dementia or psychiatric disorders. The Netherlands' highest court ruled in 2020 that doctors can euthanise patients with severe dementia without the fear of prosecution. It concerns patients with advanced dementia who are no longer mentally competent, but who previously had a clear request for euthanasia. The decision followed a landmark case, not related to the Expertise centre, in which a doctor was acquitted of providing euthanasia on a woman in 2016 with severe Alzheimer's disease, who earlier requested the procedure. Watch | Gravitas: Can a person end their own life to escape pain?

'Dying with dignity': Dutch mark 20 years of euthanasia

Italy's Constitutional Court rejected a request for a referendum on the right to die on Tuesday, even after the initiative's proponents collected more than a million signatures.

Right-to-die advocates in Italy have been trying to force a referendum on the contentious issue in the largely Catholic country where opposition is strong.

They seek to at least partially repeal sanctions against people who assist in the suicide of patients suffering from incurable illnesses or intolerable pain and who have already received palliative care.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

The Constitutional Court, however, said that repealing punishments would not safeguard the minimum constitutional standards governing the protection of human life, "particularly for the weak and vulnerable."

"The Constitutional Court's decision must push parliament to approve the law on assisted suicide," Enrico Letta, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), wrote on Twitter.

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La bocciatura da parte della Corte Costituzionale del referendum sull’ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eutanasialegale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eutanasialegale</a> deve ora spingere il Parlamento ad approvare la legge sul <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/suicidioassistito?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#suicidioassistito</a>, secondo le indicazioni della Corte stessa.
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In 2019, the court partially decriminalised assisted suicide under certain conditions with the approval of local health authorities and an ethics committee. Nonetheless, it recommended that parliament should pass a law regulating the practice.

Among the leading advocates of a referendum is Marco Cappato, who said the court's decision was "bad news for those who suffer and will have to (face) even longer unbearable suffering against their will".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-life-choice-act-28-assisted-deaths-in-first-three-months-of-new-law-451116">'End of life choice act': 28 assisted deaths in first three months of new law</a>

Last year, proponents of the right to die collected more than twice the 500,000 signatures needed to see a referendum approved.

The country's parliament is debating a legislation that would allow terminally ill patients to commit suicide through the public health system and protect doctors from legal action.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Can a person end their own life to escape pain?

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Political parties remain deeply divided on the issue, with the centre-left generally supporting it and the centre-right generally opposing it. The pope has recently condemned assisted suicide, stating that it has no place in medical ethics.

According to a poll by the SWG research group in 2019, 92 per cent of Italians were in favour of allowing assisted suicides and euthanasia. Around 45 per cent said they were in favour of it generally, while 47 per cent said they were in favour in some circumstances.

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy's Constitutional Court rejected a request for a referendum on the right to die on Tuesday, even after the initiative's proponents collected more than a million signatures.

Italy's Constitutional Court rejected a request for a referendum on the right to die on Tuesday, even after the initiative's proponents collected more than a million signatures. Right-to-die advocates in Italy have been trying to force a referendum on the contentious issue in the largely Catholic country where opposition is strong. They seek to at least partially repeal sanctions against people who assist in the suicide of patients suffering from incurable illnesses or intolerable pain and who have already received palliative care. Also read | Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal The Constitutional Court, however, said that repealing punishments would not safeguard the minimum constitutional standards governing the protection of human life, "particularly for the weak and vulnerable." "The Constitutional Court's decision must push parliament to approve the law on assisted suicide," Enrico Letta, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), wrote on Twitter. La bocciatura da parte della Corte Costituzionale del referendum sull’ #eutanasialegale deve ora spingere il Parlamento ad approvare la legge sul #suicidioassistito, secondo le indicazioni della Corte stessa. — Enrico Letta (@EnricoLetta) February 15, 2022 × In 2019, the court partially decriminalised assisted suicide under certain conditions with the approval of local health authorities and an ethics committee. Nonetheless, it recommended that parliament should pass a law regulating the practice. Among the leading advocates of a referendum is Marco Cappato, who said the court's decision was "bad news for those who suffer and will have to (face) even longer unbearable suffering against their will". Also read | 'End of life choice act': 28 assisted deaths in first three months of new law Last year, proponents of the right to die collected more than twice the 500,000 signatures needed to see a referendum approved. The country's parliament is debating a legislation that would allow terminally ill patients to commit suicide through the public health system and protect doctors from legal action. Watch | Gravitas: Can a person end their own life to escape pain? Political parties remain deeply divided on the issue, with the centre-left generally supporting it and the centre-right generally opposing it. The pope has recently condemned assisted suicide, stating that it has no place in medical ethics. According to a poll by the SWG research group in 2019, 92 per cent of Italians were in favour of allowing assisted suicides and euthanasia. Around 45 per cent said they were in favour of it generally, while 47 per cent said they were in favour in some circumstances. (With inputs from agencies)

'Right-to-die': Italy court refuses to allow euthanasia referendum

In the first three months after it became legal, at least 28 New Zealanders have been assisted in dying.

After two-thirds of Kiwis (65.1%) voted it through in the 2020 referendum, the End of Life Choice Act went into effect on November 7, allowing qualified terminally ill New Zealanders to choose to end their lives.

In the three months since assisted dying became legal, there have been more than two dozen assisted deaths, according to Ministry of Health data as of January 31.

Because the data is updated every week, it's possible that more people have been helped to die since that figure was released.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/assisted-dying-comes-into-force-in-new-zealand-427509">Also read | 'Assisted dying' comes into force in New Zealand</a>

A person (over the age of 18) must have a terminal illness that will end their life within six months to be eligible for assisted dying under the Act.

They must be experiencing significant and ongoing physical decline, as well as unbearable suffering that cannot be alleviated in a way that they find acceptable.&nbsp;

So far, the registrar has not received any objections from the End of Life Review Committee, which investigates every death. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-euthanasia-and-marijuana-new-zealand-targets-smoking-378060">Also Read:&nbsp;After euthanasia and marijuana, New Zealand targets smoking</a>

The public had lodged "a very limited number of complaints," according to the Registrar, but the ministry stated it couldn't disclose any additional information at this time.

It may also be unable to provide information on the fatalities, such as age, medical problems, or ethnicity.

Patients must be evaluated by two doctors, with a third opinion from a psychiatrist required if the doctors have any reservations about the patient's competency. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portuguese-parliament-approves-euthanasia-law-360223">Also Read:&nbsp;Portuguese parliament approves euthanasia law</a>

According to the Ministry, none of the 56 people who had two assessments needed a third.

In New Zealand, 130 medical practitioners have signed up to participate in assisted dying.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the first three months after it became legal, at least 28 New Zealanders have been assisted in dying. After two-thirds of Kiwis (65.1%) voted it through in the 2020 referendum, the End of Life Choice Act went into effect on November 7, allowing qualified terminally ill New Zealanders to choose to end their lives.

In the first three months after it became legal, at least 28 New Zealanders have been assisted in dying. After two-thirds of Kiwis (65.1%) voted it through in the 2020 referendum, the End of Life Choice Act went into effect on November 7, allowing qualified terminally ill New Zealanders to choose to end their lives. In the three months since assisted dying became legal, there have been more than two dozen assisted deaths, according to Ministry of Health data as of January 31. Because the data is updated every week, it's possible that more people have been helped to die since that figure was released. Also read | 'Assisted dying' comes into force in New Zealand A person (over the age of 18) must have a terminal illness that will end their life within six months to be eligible for assisted dying under the Act. They must be experiencing significant and ongoing physical decline, as well as unbearable suffering that cannot be alleviated in a way that they find acceptable. So far, the registrar has not received any objections from the End of Life Review Committee, which investigates every death. Also Read: After euthanasia and marijuana, New Zealand targets smoking The public had lodged "a very limited number of complaints," according to the Registrar, but the ministry stated it couldn't disclose any additional information at this time. It may also be unable to provide information on the fatalities, such as age, medical problems, or ethnicity. Patients must be evaluated by two doctors, with a third opinion from a psychiatrist required if the doctors have any reservations about the patient's competency. Also Read: Portuguese parliament approves euthanasia law According to the Ministry, none of the 56 people who had two assessments needed a third. In New Zealand, 130 medical practitioners have signed up to participate in assisted dying. (With inputs from agencies)

'End of life choice act': 28 assisted deaths in first three months of new law

Colombian Victor Escobar sent a heartfelt message before his death by euthanasia on Friday (January 7). He became the first Colombian to be euthanised despite not being in a terminal condition.&nbsp;

Hours before his death, Escobar said that it "opens doors to other patients" who "wish for a dignified death." Escobar had a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that prevented him from breathing on his own.

Escobar, aged 60, said, "We'll meet again in time, wherever God will have us."&nbsp;

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"We've managed to achieve this objective so that patients like myself, who are not terminal but are in a degenerative condition, manage to win this battle," Escobar said.&nbsp;

"It's a battle which opens the doors for other patients behind me who wish to have a dignified death right now," he added.&nbsp;

His lawyer Luis Giraldo, who confirmed the procedure had been completed, told Reuters that his lung-related disease caused a number of other conditions as well.&nbsp;

His lawyer Giraldo said that his "decision to die with dignity" was carried out. He further informed, "We would like to be happy. We would like to celebrate that Victor's decision was carried out but it's not like that. Victor suffered a lot but in the end he won the battle."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-men-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-murder-of-ahmaud-arbery-443058">Three men sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ahmaud Arbery</a>

Important to note that Escobar is the first person to undergo euthanasia in Colombia without having a terminal illness, although he is not the first case of euthanasia in the country.

According to Colombian legal rights advocacy group DescLAB, at least 178 people had undergone the procedure since 2015.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Colombian Victor Escobar sent a heartfelt message before his death by euthanasia on Friday (January 7). He became the first Colombian to be euthanised despite not being in a terminal condition.

Colombian Victor Escobar sent a heartfelt message before his death by euthanasia on Friday (January 7). He became the first Colombian to be euthanised despite not being in a terminal condition. Hours before his death, Escobar said that it "opens doors to other patients" who "wish for a dignified death." Escobar had a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that prevented him from breathing on his own. Escobar, aged 60, said, "We'll meet again in time, wherever God will have us." ALSO READ | China's parenting law: Court directs divorced mother to live with child "We've managed to achieve this objective so that patients like myself, who are not terminal but are in a degenerative condition, manage to win this battle," Escobar said. "It's a battle which opens the doors for other patients behind me who wish to have a dignified death right now," he added. His lawyer Luis Giraldo, who confirmed the procedure had been completed, told Reuters that his lung-related disease caused a number of other conditions as well. His lawyer Giraldo said that his "decision to die with dignity" was carried out. He further informed, "We would like to be happy. We would like to celebrate that Victor's decision was carried out but it's not like that. Victor suffered a lot but in the end he won the battle." ALSO READ | Three men sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ahmaud Arbery Important to note that Escobar is the first person to undergo euthanasia in Colombia without having a terminal illness, although he is not the first case of euthanasia in the country. According to Colombian legal rights advocacy group DescLAB, at least 178 people had undergone the procedure since 2015. (With inputs from agencies)

'We will meet again': 60-year-old becomes first in Colombia to undergo euthanasia for non-terminal illness

French movie director Francois Ozon tackles the thorny issue of euthanasia in his latest movie at the Cannes Film Festival, with a story of two sisters grappling with their sick father`s desire to end his life.

In "Everything Went Fine", Ozon does not take sides in the debate, preferring to let the siblings` struggle unfold and leave audiences to ponder what they would do in their situation. 
 
"I don`t think the film is either for or against (euthanasia). It proposes to the viewers a story that is very personal, and each one faces his or her own questions about it, on life, on death," Ozon told reporters in Cannes on Thursday. 
 
The film starring Sophie Marceau is in the main competition at the world`s biggest film festival being held on the French Riviera later than usual, after the coronavirus pandemic forced organisers to cancel it in 2020 and postpone it this year. 
 
Spain became the fourth European Union country to allow assisted dying in March this year, joining Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, while Switzerland also has similar laws. 
 
Euthanasia is still banned in France, although under a law from 2016, terminally ill patients have the right to be put into continuous deep sedation. 
 
Ozon, a prolific filmmaker who released "Ete 85" last year, said he had discovered a world he knew little about after choosing to adapt the true story from a book by late writer Emmanuele Bernheim, who worked on several of his screenplays. 
 
"This is what horrified me, to see that the state, society, the medical system do not take care of this, and that it`s up to the children to organise it," Ozon said. 
 
"Everything Went Fine" also features a star turn by Andre Dussollier as an 85-year-old who has a stroke, paralyzing him in one arm, and who calls on his daughters to help him end his life. 
 
The sisters are torn between the hope that he will change his mind, as he displays flashes of humour or gets excited about his grandson`s upcoming clarinet recital, and a growing sense of duty as they come to terms with his stubborn desire to die. 
Punctuated by lighter moments, such as when the irascible Andre expresses horror at the idea of being buried near the in-laws he hated, the film builds tension as the sisters wonder whether they can go through with their plan. 
"This film has a dimension that urges us to think about this," Marceau told a news conference. "We don`t really like the idea of this kind of death, but at some point we must get organised about this thing." 
Frenchman Alain Cocq, who fought for years for the right to euthanasia at home, died in June this year in a medically assisted suicide in Switzerland at the age of 58, in a case that reignited the debate in France.

French movie director Francois Ozon tackles the thorny issue of euthanasia in his latest movie at the Cannes Film Festival, with a story of two sisters grappling with their sick father`s desire to end his life.

French movie director Francois Ozon tackles the thorny issue of euthanasia in his latest movie at the Cannes Film Festival, with a story of two sisters grappling with their sick father`s desire to end his life. In "Everything Went Fine", Ozon does not take sides in the debate, preferring to let the siblings` struggle unfold and leave audiences to ponder what they would do in their situation. "I don`t think the film is either for or against (euthanasia). It proposes to the viewers a story that is very personal, and each one faces his or her own questions about it, on life, on death," Ozon told reporters in Cannes on Thursday. The film starring Sophie Marceau is in the main competition at the world`s biggest film festival being held on the French Riviera later than usual, after the coronavirus pandemic forced organisers to cancel it in 2020 and postpone it this year. Spain became the fourth European Union country to allow assisted dying in March this year, joining Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, while Switzerland also has similar laws. Euthanasia is still banned in France, although under a law from 2016, terminally ill patients have the right to be put into continuous deep sedation. Ozon, a prolific filmmaker who released "Ete 85" last year, said he had discovered a world he knew little about after choosing to adapt the true story from a book by late writer Emmanuele Bernheim, who worked on several of his screenplays. "This is what horrified me, to see that the state, society, the medical system do not take care of this, and that it`s up to the children to organise it," Ozon said. "Everything Went Fine" also features a star turn by Andre Dussollier as an 85-year-old who has a stroke, paralyzing him in one arm, and who calls on his daughters to help him end his life. The sisters are torn between the hope that he will change his mind, as he displays flashes of humour or gets excited about his grandson`s upcoming clarinet recital, and a growing sense of duty as they come to terms with his stubborn desire to die. Punctuated by lighter moments, such as when the irascible Andre expresses horror at the idea of being buried near the in-laws he hated, the film builds tension as the sisters wonder whether they can go through with their plan. "This film has a dimension that urges us to think about this," Marceau told a news conference. "We don`t really like the idea of this kind of death, but at some point we must get organised about this thing." Frenchman Alain Cocq, who fought for years for the right to euthanasia at home, died in June this year in a medically assisted suicide in Switzerland at the age of 58, in a case that reignited the debate in France.

French film in Cannes follows a family's tussle with euthanasia

Lawmakers in Spain have passed a law to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide. Can a person end their own life to escape pain? WION's Palki Sharma asks - Can the inevitability of death be preponed?

Gravitas: Can a person end their own life to escape pain?

Spain's parliament voted through a law legalising euthanasia Thursday, becoming one of the few nations to allow terminally-ill or gravely-injured patients to end their own suffering.

A priority for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government, the law was drafted following public pressure generated by several high-profile cases, notably that of Ramon Sampedro whose plight was immortalised in the Oscar-winning 2004 film "The Sea Inside".

The vote, which passed by 202 in favour and 141 against and two abstentions in the 350-seat chamber, makes Spain the fourth European nation to decriminalise assisted suicide, alongside the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Although Portugal's parliament passed a similar law in January, it was blocked this week by the Constitutional Court.

"Today we have become a country that is more humane, fairer and freer. The euthanasia law, widely demanded by society, has finally become a reality," Sanchez tweeted just minutes after the vote.

"Thanks to all the people who have fought tirelessly for the right to die with dignity to be recognised in Spain."

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Hoy somos un país más humano, más justo y más libre. La ley de eutanasia, ampliamente demandada por la sociedad, se convierte por fin en una realidad. Gracias a todas las personas que han peleado incansablemente para que el derecho a morir dignamente fuera reconocido en España. <a href="https://t.co/Ge4CZWuvIe">pic.twitter.com/Ge4CZWuvIe</a>
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1372516402746306561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet&gt;&lt;p lang=es dir=ltr&gt;Hoy somos un país más humano, más justo y más libre. La ley de eutanasia, ampliamente demandada por la sociedad, se convierte por fin en una realidad. Gracias a todas las personas que han peleado incansablemente para que el derecho a morir dignamente fuera reconocido en España. &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/Ge4CZWuvIe href=https://t.co/Ge4CZWuvIe&gt;pic.twitter.com/Ge4CZWuvIe&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1372516402746306561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1372516402746306561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;March 18, 2021&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset=utf-8></script>" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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The Spanish legislation will permit euthanasia in which medical staff intentionally end a life to relieve suffering, and assisted suicide in which it is the patient who carries out the procedure.

Various other countries permit assisted suicide as well as "passive euthanasia" in which life-saving medical treatment is halted.

Speaking to AFP, Ramona Maneiro, a friend of Sampedro's who was arrested for helping him die but not prosecuted for lack of evidence, hailed the move as a victory "for those who can benefit from it" and "for Ramon".

<h2>Strict conditions&nbsp;</h2>

Backed by leftwing and centrist parties, the legislation allows anyone with a "serious or incurable illness" or a "chronic or incapacitating" condition to request help dying, thereby avoiding "intolerable suffering".

But the patient must be a Spanish national or a legal resident and must be "fully aware and conscious" when they make the request, which must be submitted twice in writing, 15 days apart.

However, a doctor can reject the request if the requirements have not been met; it must be approved by a second medic and by an evaluation body.&nbsp;

Any medic can withdraw on grounds of "conscience" from taking part in the procedure that would be available through Spain's national health service.

The move has been hailed by patients and right-to-die campaigners.

"It doesn't make any sense that people... would choose to live an undignified life," said Sofia Malagon, 60, who has Parkinson's and worries what will happen if she gets dementia.

"I don't want to be left like a vegetable."&nbsp;

<h2>'Form of murder'&nbsp;</h2>

But the move has been roundly rejected by the Catholic Church and Spain's right and far-right opposition, and some medics have raised questions about its implementation.&nbsp;

Euthanasia "is always a form of murder since it involves one man causing the death of another," said the Episcopal Conference that groups Spain's leading bishops.&nbsp;

"Life cannot be left in the hands of the authorities," said Lourdes Mendez Monasterio, an MP for the far-right Vox party which has vowed to appeal to the Constitutional Court.

"We will not rest until ensuring that at the end of life, a person can die with dignity without pain and without being killed," she told the chamber.

Since the mid-1980s when euthanasia first entered the public debate, the most famous case has been that of Ramon Sampedro, who became a tetraplegic after breaking his neck and fought an unsuccessful 30-year court battle to end his own life with dignity.

He died in 1998 with the help of his friend with his story told in "The Sea Inside" starring Hollywood actor Javier Bardem that won the 2005 best-foreign language Oscar.

A different but equally high-profile case was that of Luis Montes, an anaesthetist accused of causing the deaths of 73 terminal patients at a Madrid hospital. A court dropped the case against him in 2007.

More recently, pensioner Angel Hernandez was arrested in 2019 and is awaiting trial for helping his wife end her life after decades suffering from multiple sclerosis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Spain's parliament voted through a law legalising euthanasia Thursday, becoming one of the few nations to allow terminally-ill or gravely-injured patients to end their own suffering.

Spain's parliament voted through a law legalising euthanasia Thursday, becoming one of the few nations to allow terminally-ill or gravely-injured patients to end their own suffering. A priority for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government, the law was drafted following public pressure generated by several high-profile cases, notably that of Ramon Sampedro whose plight was immortalised in the Oscar-winning 2004 film "The Sea Inside". The vote, which passed by 202 in favour and 141 against and two abstentions in the 350-seat chamber, makes Spain the fourth European nation to decriminalise assisted suicide, alongside the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Although Portugal's parliament passed a similar law in January, it was blocked this week by the Constitutional Court. "Today we have become a country that is more humane, fairer and freer. The euthanasia law, widely demanded by society, has finally become a reality," Sanchez tweeted just minutes after the vote. "Thanks to all the people who have fought tirelessly for the right to die with dignity to be recognised in Spain." Hoy somos un país más humano, más justo y más libre. La ley de eutanasia, ampliamente demandada por la sociedad, se convierte por fin en una realidad. Gracias a todas las personas que han peleado incansablemente para que el derecho a morir dignamente fuera reconocido en España. pic.twitter.com/Ge4CZWuvIe — Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) March 18, 2021 × The Spanish legislation will permit euthanasia in which medical staff intentionally end a life to relieve suffering, and assisted suicide in which it is the patient who carries out the procedure. Various other countries permit assisted suicide as well as "passive euthanasia" in which life-saving medical treatment is halted. Speaking to AFP, Ramona Maneiro, a friend of Sampedro's who was arrested for helping him die but not prosecuted for lack of evidence, hailed the move as a victory "for those who can benefit from it" and "for Ramon". Strict conditions Backed by leftwing and centrist parties, the legislation allows anyone with a "serious or incurable illness" or a "chronic or incapacitating" condition to request help dying, thereby avoiding "intolerable suffering". But the patient must be a Spanish national or a legal resident and must be "fully aware and conscious" when they make the request, which must be submitted twice in writing, 15 days apart. However, a doctor can reject the request if the requirements have not been met; it must be approved by a second medic and by an evaluation body. Any medic can withdraw on grounds of "conscience" from taking part in the procedure that would be available through Spain's national health service. The move has been hailed by patients and right-to-die campaigners. "It doesn't make any sense that people... would choose to live an undignified life," said Sofia Malagon, 60, who has Parkinson's and worries what will happen if she gets dementia. "I don't want to be left like a vegetable." 'Form of murder' But the move has been roundly rejected by the Catholic Church and Spain's right and far-right opposition, and some medics have raised questions about its implementation. Euthanasia "is always a form of murder since it involves one man causing the death of another," said the Episcopal Conference that groups Spain's leading bishops. "Life cannot be left in the hands of the authorities," said Lourdes Mendez Monasterio, an MP for the far-right Vox party which has vowed to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "We will not rest until ensuring that at the end of life, a person can die with dignity without pain and without being killed," she told the chamber. Since the mid-1980s when euthanasia first entered the public debate, the most famous case has been that of Ramon Sampedro, who became a tetraplegic after breaking his neck and fought an unsuccessful 30-year court battle to end his own life with dignity. He died in 1998 with the help of his friend with his story told in "The Sea Inside" starring Hollywood actor Javier Bardem that won the 2005 best-foreign language Oscar. A different but equally high-profile case was that of Luis Montes, an anaesthetist accused of causing the deaths of 73 terminal patients at a Madrid hospital. A court dropped the case against him in 2007. More recently, pensioner Angel Hernandez was arrested in 2019 and is awaiting trial for helping his wife end her life after decades suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Spain legalises euthanasia, assisted suicide

Spain's parliament is expected to give final approval to a law legalising euthanasia. It will allow terminally-ill or gravely-injured patients to end their own suffering.

Spain: Country poised to legalise euthanasia, assisted suicide

Ana Estrada on Tuesday won a historic battle over the right to die in Peru - a Roman Catholic country where euthanasia remains illegal.&nbsp;

Confined to her bed, Estrada told Reuters that she feels "happy and content" about the decision after the government decided against appealing a court ruling which recognised her right to die.

"It is an individual case, but I hope it serves as a precedent," Estrada, 44, told Reuters.

Peru Ministries of Justice and Health on Tuesday decided to honour a judge's ruling which decreed that she has the right "to a dignified death".

"I think it is an achievement not only of mine, not only of my cause, but also an achievement of law and justice in Peru," Estrada said. 
 
A psychologist, Estrada has suffered from polymyositis for three decades. Considered an incurable disease, it progressively attacks the muscles. Most of the time, Estrada requires a respirator to breathe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-is-legal-281943" hreflang="en">Countries where euthanasia is legal</a>

Five years ago, Estrada began her legal battle for her right to die "when the time comes."

Euthanasia remains a debated topic across the world and is banned in many parts including Peru. In southern America, only Colombia allows the procedure, that too under certain conditions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/new-zealand-euthanasia-gets-immense-support-suspense-on-marijuana-continues-339009" hreflang="en">New Zealand: Euthanasia gets immense support, suspense on marijuana continues</a>

The court ruling also added that the state health insurer EsSalud must provide "all conditions" that may be required for Estrada's death. All this must happen within 10 days from when she decides to end her life. In a statement, EsSalud said that it would follow up on the ruling, and in addition form medical commissions to develop a protocol for such cases.

Even though local law prohibits people from helping others to die, the court ruled that anyone who helped Estrada will not face charges.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Ana Estrada on Tuesday won a historic battle over the right to die in Peru - a Roman Catholic country where euthanasia remains illegal. Confined to her bed, Estrada told Reuters that she feels "happy and content" about the decision after the government decided against appealing a court ruling which recognised her right to die.

Ana Estrada on Tuesday won a historic battle over the right to die in Peru - a Roman Catholic country where euthanasia remains illegal. Confined to her bed, Estrada told Reuters that she feels "happy and content" about the decision after the government decided against appealing a court ruling which recognised her right to die. "It is an individual case, but I hope it serves as a precedent," Estrada, 44, told Reuters. Peru Ministries of Justice and Health on Tuesday decided to honour a judge's ruling which decreed that she has the right "to a dignified death". "I think it is an achievement not only of mine, not only of my cause, but also an achievement of law and justice in Peru," Estrada said. A psychologist, Estrada has suffered from polymyositis for three decades. Considered an incurable disease, it progressively attacks the muscles. Most of the time, Estrada requires a respirator to breathe. Also read: Countries where euthanasia is legal Five years ago, Estrada began her legal battle for her right to die "when the time comes." Euthanasia remains a debated topic across the world and is banned in many parts including Peru. In southern America, only Colombia allows the procedure, that too under certain conditions. Also read: New Zealand: Euthanasia gets immense support, suspense on marijuana continues The court ruling also added that the state health insurer EsSalud must provide "all conditions" that may be required for Estrada's death. All this must happen within 10 days from when she decides to end her life. In a statement, EsSalud said that it would follow up on the ruling, and in addition form medical commissions to develop a protocol for such cases. Even though local law prohibits people from helping others to die, the court ruled that anyone who helped Estrada will not face charges. (With inputs from Reuters)

Peruvian woman wins historic battle over 'right to die'

Portugal parliament is expected to pass a law that will allow medically assisted euthanasia. The law, if passed will make Portugal fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia. The proposal to change the law was approved in February in the Catholic-majority country. The bill legalises access to assisted suicide for adult patients in a situation of "extreme suffering and irreversible damage". Doctors and psychiatrists must validate the decision if the patient's ability to make a "free and informed" choice is in doubt. The vote is expected to take place around midday (local time) today.

Any new bill must then be signed into law by recently re-elected president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a staunch Catholic and conservative who has not publicly taken a position on the issue.

The president can choose to veto the law but a second vote by lawmakers can override the decision.

"People deserve the right to be able to choose," said retired oncologist Jorge Espirito Santo, who has campaigned for years to make euthanasia legal.

He added he was expecting a "historic day".

The Catholic Church, which predominates in Portugal, campaigned against the draft bills both among its faithful and those of other denominations.

"The Church's position has not changed," spokesman for the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, Father Manuel Barbosa told AFP.

"Of course we hope that this law will not be approved."&nbsp;

Euthanasia is legal in three European countries -- Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg -- while others allow terminally ill people to refuse life-maintaining treatment or to have help to die.

(With AFP inputs)

Portugal parliament is expected to pass a law that will allow medically assisted euthanasia. The law, if passed will make Portugal fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia.

Portugal parliament is expected to pass a law that will allow medically assisted euthanasia. The law, if passed will make Portugal fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia. The proposal to change the law was approved in February in the Catholic-majority country. The bill legalises access to assisted suicide for adult patients in a situation of "extreme suffering and irreversible damage". Doctors and psychiatrists must validate the decision if the patient's ability to make a "free and informed" choice is in doubt. The vote is expected to take place around midday (local time) today. Any new bill must then be signed into law by recently re-elected president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a staunch Catholic and conservative who has not publicly taken a position on the issue. The president can choose to veto the law but a second vote by lawmakers can override the decision. "People deserve the right to be able to choose," said retired oncologist Jorge Espirito Santo, who has campaigned for years to make euthanasia legal. He added he was expecting a "historic day". The Catholic Church, which predominates in Portugal, campaigned against the draft bills both among its faithful and those of other denominations. "The Church's position has not changed," spokesman for the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, Father Manuel Barbosa told AFP. "Of course we hope that this law will not be approved." Euthanasia is legal in three European countries -- Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg -- while others allow terminally ill people to refuse life-maintaining treatment or to have help to die. (With AFP inputs)

Portuguese parliament to vote on euthanasia legalisation

New Zealanders overwhelmingly supported legalising euthanasia in a referendum held on October 17, preliminary data showed.&nbsp;

However, vote on permitting recreational cannabis set to fail with 53 per cent opposing the move, as per the initial data.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-blocks-livestream-of-euthanasia-campaigners-death-325557">Facebook blocks livestream of euthanasia campaigner's death</a>

The figures revealed that 65.2 per cent of people voted to support euthanasia and 33 per cent voting against it.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historical-high-new-zealands-newly-elected-parliament-is-the-most-diverse-ever-336318">'Historical high': New Zealand's newly elected parliament is the most diverse ever</a>

However, the preliminary results don't include special votes, that include ballots cast overseas, which comprise nearly 20 per cent of the total and favourable voting could work in favour of legalising marijuana.&nbsp;

The final verdict on euthanasia, though, will not be going to change regardless of which way special votes will go.&nbsp;

The final results will come on next Friday and will be binding on the euthanasia referendum, but not in the case of cannabis.&nbsp;

Last year, parliament cleared legislation to allow medically-assisted euthanasia, but the law was not enforced as the lawmakers wanted a say of the public on it.&nbsp;

As per the law, a mentally sound adult who is facing a terminal illness which is likely to take that person's life within six months and he/she is facing "unbearable suffering" because of it could request a fatal dose of medication.&nbsp;

New Zealanders overwhelmingly supported legalising euthanasia in a referendum held on October 17, preliminary data showed. However, vote on permitting recreational cannabis set to fail with 53 per cent opposing the move, as per the initial data.

New Zealanders overwhelmingly supported legalising euthanasia in a referendum held on October 17, preliminary data showed. However, vote on permitting recreational cannabis set to fail with 53 per cent opposing the move, as per the initial data. Also read | Facebook blocks livestream of euthanasia campaigner's death The figures revealed that 65.2 per cent of people voted to support euthanasia and 33 per cent voting against it. Also read | 'Historical high': New Zealand's newly elected parliament is the most diverse ever However, the preliminary results don't include special votes, that include ballots cast overseas, which comprise nearly 20 per cent of the total and favourable voting could work in favour of legalising marijuana. The final verdict on euthanasia, though, will not be going to change regardless of which way special votes will go. The final results will come on next Friday and will be binding on the euthanasia referendum, but not in the case of cannabis. Last year, parliament cleared legislation to allow medically-assisted euthanasia, but the law was not enforced as the lawmakers wanted a say of the public on it. As per the law, a mentally sound adult who is facing a terminal illness which is likely to take that person's life within six months and he/she is facing "unbearable suffering" because of it could request a fatal dose of medication.

New Zealand: Euthanasia gets immense support, suspense on marijuana continues

Facebook has blocked a terminally ill French euthanasia campaigner from livestreaming his own death.

Alain Cocq, who has been suffering for 34 years from a rare and incurable degenerative disease, has stopped taking food, drink or medicine, and says he wants his death to be seen to help persuade French authorities to lift a ban on medically assisted suicide. He said he would find another way to broadcast his death.

Cocq, 57, had said he would livestream his death on Facebook from Saturday morning.&nbsp;

“While we respect Alain’s decision to draw attention to this important issue, we are preventing live broadcasts on his account based on the advice of experts that the depiction of suicide attempts could be triggering and promote more self-harm," Facebook said in a statement provided to Reuters.

After Facebook blocked it, he said a new means of livestreaming would be set up within 24 hours.

"So I have finished my last meal ... I drink to your health one last time. The road to deliverance begins and, believe me, I am happy," Cocq said in a video posted on Friday night and shot from his bed at his home in Dijon, eastern France.

He had written to French President Emmanuel Macron asking that medical professionals be allowed to assist his death. Macron wrote back saying this was not allowed under French law.

France's neighbours Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands have adopted laws that allow medically-assisted dying in some cases.

Facebook has blocked a terminally ill French euthanasia campaigner from livestreaming his own death. Alain Cocq, who has been suffering for 34 years from a rare and incurable degenerative disease, has stopped taking food, drink or medicine, and says he wants his death to be seen to help persuade French authorities to lift a ban on medically assisted suicide.

Facebook has blocked a terminally ill French euthanasia campaigner from livestreaming his own death. Alain Cocq, who has been suffering for 34 years from a rare and incurable degenerative disease, has stopped taking food, drink or medicine, and says he wants his death to be seen to help persuade French authorities to lift a ban on medically assisted suicide. He said he would find another way to broadcast his death. Cocq, 57, had said he would livestream his death on Facebook from Saturday morning. “While we respect Alain’s decision to draw attention to this important issue, we are preventing live broadcasts on his account based on the advice of experts that the depiction of suicide attempts could be triggering and promote more self-harm," Facebook said in a statement provided to Reuters. After Facebook blocked it, he said a new means of livestreaming would be set up within 24 hours. "So I have finished my last meal ... I drink to your health one last time. The road to deliverance begins and, believe me, I am happy," Cocq said in a video posted on Friday night and shot from his bed at his home in Dijon, eastern France. He had written to French President Emmanuel Macron asking that medical professionals be allowed to assist his death. Macron wrote back saying this was not allowed under French law. France's neighbours Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands have adopted laws that allow medically-assisted dying in some cases.

Facebook blocks livestream of euthanasia campaigner's death

A court in Germany has said that a 2015 law banning professional assisted suicide was "unconstitutional".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-parliament-backs-euthanasia-referendum-257711">Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum</a>

Assisted suicide services are no longer banned in the country. The German court rejected the five-year-old law which banned professionally assisted suicide.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pro-euthanasia-bills-get-green-light-in-portugal-negotiations-ahead-281991/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The landmark decision came after a group of terminally ill patients along with doctors challenged the law.

In Germany, the subject is all the more contentious because of the Nazi policy of killing hundreds of thousands of sick and disabled people during the 1930s and 40s.

The paragraph 217 was passed in November 2015 which penalized anyone who turned assisted suicide into a professional service. It required German patients to go abroad to end their lives. Under Paragraph 217, professionals falling foul of the law risked a fine or up to three years in prison.

Earlier, they would travel to Switzerland or the Netherlands or seek euthanasia via relatives. The law now stands repealed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-is-legal-281943">In Pics: Countries where euthanasia is legal</a>

The court ruled the prohibition of assisted suicide services violates the basic law and is void and that the country's constitution gives individuals the right to a self-determined death which includes the freedom to take one's own life and use assistance provided voluntarily by third parties.

The judge said those who wanted to offer suicide assistance must be legally allowed to without being forced. However, it set conditions through mandatory waiting periods or consumer protection standards for assisted suicide associations.

At the moment, assisted suicide is legal only in a few other places. Switzerland, the Netherlands, in the Australian state of Victoria and in some American states.

A court in Germany has said that a 2015 law banning professional assisted suicide was "unconstitutional". Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum Assisted suicide services are no longer banned in the country.

A court in Germany has said that a 2015 law banning professional assisted suicide was "unconstitutional". Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum Assisted suicide services are no longer banned in the country. The German court rejected the five-year-old law which banned professionally assisted suicide. Watch Video: The landmark decision came after a group of terminally ill patients along with doctors challenged the law. In Germany, the subject is all the more contentious because of the Nazi policy of killing hundreds of thousands of sick and disabled people during the 1930s and 40s. The paragraph 217 was passed in November 2015 which penalized anyone who turned assisted suicide into a professional service. It required German patients to go abroad to end their lives. Under Paragraph 217, professionals falling foul of the law risked a fine or up to three years in prison. Earlier, they would travel to Switzerland or the Netherlands or seek euthanasia via relatives. The law now stands repealed. In Pics: Countries where euthanasia is legal The court ruled the prohibition of assisted suicide services violates the basic law and is void and that the country's constitution gives individuals the right to a self-determined death which includes the freedom to take one's own life and use assistance provided voluntarily by third parties. The judge said those who wanted to offer suicide assistance must be legally allowed to without being forced. However, it set conditions through mandatory waiting periods or consumer protection standards for assisted suicide associations. At the moment, assisted suicide is legal only in a few other places. Switzerland, the Netherlands, in the Australian state of Victoria and in some American states.

German court overturns ban on assisted suicide

Portugal's lawmakers on Thursday approved a set of bills aimed at decriminalisation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/euthanasia-becomes-legal-in-the-australian-state-of-victoria-228565">euthanasia</a> amid protests from religious groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-parliament-backs-euthanasia-referendum-257711">Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum</a>

The vote was approved with 127 votes in favour, 86 votes against and 10 abstentions in the 230 member Parliament as several hundred &nbsp;Portuguese protested outside the House.

The vote comes two years after parliament rejected a bill to legalise voluntary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahadayi-river-dispute-karnataka-farmers-to-boycott-state-polls-will-protest-in-delhi-131799">euthanasia </a>for terminally ill patients.

Euthanasia involves a process in which a physician takes part in ending a patient's life. In &nbsp;assisted suicide, the doctor provides a lethal substance for the patient to self-administer.

Both practices are allowed in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium.

However, the bill was passed after a big debate.

"Prosecuting someone who helps a patient with an incurable disease is a form of intolerance," socialist MP Isabel Moreira said in Parliament.

Portugal's Social Democratic Party, Communist Party, CDS-PP voted against all of the proposals.

The five proposals will now be put into a single draft bill for a final vote, expected to take place before the summer. 
&nbsp;

Portugal's lawmakers on Thursday approved a set of bills aimed at decriminalisation of euthanasia amid protests from religious groups. Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum The vote was approved with 127 votes in favour, 86 votes against and 10 abstentions in the 230 member Parliament as several hundred Portuguese protested outside the House.

Portugal's lawmakers on Thursday approved a set of bills aimed at decriminalisation of euthanasia amid protests from religious groups. Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum The vote was approved with 127 votes in favour, 86 votes against and 10 abstentions in the 230 member Parliament as several hundred Portuguese protested outside the House. The vote comes two years after parliament rejected a bill to legalise voluntary euthanasia for terminally ill patients. Euthanasia involves a process in which a physician takes part in ending a patient's life. In assisted suicide, the doctor provides a lethal substance for the patient to self-administer. Both practices are allowed in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium. However, the bill was passed after a big debate. "Prosecuting someone who helps a patient with an incurable disease is a form of intolerance," socialist MP Isabel Moreira said in Parliament. Portugal's Social Democratic Party, Communist Party, CDS-PP voted against all of the proposals. The five proposals will now be put into a single draft bill for a final vote, expected to take place before the summer.

Portuguese lawmakers take first step to decriminalise euthanasia amid protests

The decriminalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide is a step closer to becoming a reality in Portugal after lawmakers approved a set of bills on Thursday (February 20), a move applauded by many but opposed by religious groups and conservatives.

Pro-euthanasia bills get green light in Portugal, negotiations ahead

New Zealand lawmakers narrowly backed a plan Wednesday to hold a referendum on legalising euthanasia alongside next year's general election.

The proposal to put the issue to a public vote passed 63-57 during a heated late-night debate in parliament.

It means when Kiwis go to the polls late next year they will not only be voting for their preferred government but also on two referendums, one on legalising euthanasia and the other on allowing recreational marijuana use.

While a final vote to confirm a referendum on the End of Life Choice Bill will be held in November, it is considered a formality after the plan won crucial backing from the New Zealand First (NZF) Party.

"This is an emotive topic. It's a divisive topic... &nbsp;but we should have the courage to allow the voting public to participate in this conversation," NZF's Jenny Marcroft told parliament.

NZF had threatened to pull support for the bill if the referendum proposal was rejected and parliament tried to simply pass the legislation.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has publicly stated her support for euthanasia reform and reluctantly voted for the referendum, saying earlier this week that it was the only way of advancing the legislation.

Members of Ardern's centre-left Labour Party were given a conscience vote on the issue, as were members of parliament's largest party, the conservative Nationals.

National lawmaker Harete Hipango described the euthanasia legislation as "abhorrent, repugnant and also dangerous".

"This is a kill bill. My focus and my intention is&nbsp;that I seek to kill this bill because of the repugnancy of what it intends to do," he said.&nbsp;

"The state has a duty of care to protect our most vulnerable."

The lawmaker behind the bill, libertarian David Seymour, said the proposal had safeguards to protect the vulnerable.

"This is a bill only for people who have a terminal illness as diagnosed by two doctors," he said.&nbsp;

"It is for people who are, sadly, at the end of their lives, and it is a choice... &nbsp;only the person whose life it is can make the choice." 
&nbsp;

New Zealand lawmakers narrowly backed a plan Wednesday to hold a referendum on legalising euthanasia alongside next year's general election. The proposal to put the issue to a public vote passed 63-57 during a heated late-night debate in parliament.

New Zealand lawmakers narrowly backed a plan Wednesday to hold a referendum on legalising euthanasia alongside next year's general election. The proposal to put the issue to a public vote passed 63-57 during a heated late-night debate in parliament. It means when Kiwis go to the polls late next year they will not only be voting for their preferred government but also on two referendums, one on legalising euthanasia and the other on allowing recreational marijuana use. While a final vote to confirm a referendum on the End of Life Choice Bill will be held in November, it is considered a formality after the plan won crucial backing from the New Zealand First (NZF) Party. "This is an emotive topic. It's a divisive topic... but we should have the courage to allow the voting public to participate in this conversation," NZF's Jenny Marcroft told parliament. NZF had threatened to pull support for the bill if the referendum proposal was rejected and parliament tried to simply pass the legislation. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has publicly stated her support for euthanasia reform and reluctantly voted for the referendum, saying earlier this week that it was the only way of advancing the legislation. Members of Ardern's centre-left Labour Party were given a conscience vote on the issue, as were members of parliament's largest party, the conservative Nationals. National lawmaker Harete Hipango described the euthanasia legislation as "abhorrent, repugnant and also dangerous". "This is a kill bill. My focus and my intention is that I seek to kill this bill because of the repugnancy of what it intends to do," he said. "The state has a duty of care to protect our most vulnerable." The lawmaker behind the bill, libertarian David Seymour, said the proposal had safeguards to protect the vulnerable. "This is a bill only for people who have a terminal illness as diagnosed by two doctors," he said. "It is for people who are, sadly, at the end of their lives, and it is a choice... only the person whose life it is can make the choice."

New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum

Terminally ill Australians can for the first time apply to end their own life after new laws went into effect in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-destroy-more-than-30-houses-in-australias-victoria-state-202119">the state of Victoria</a> Wednesday. &nbsp;

The country's second most populous region made voluntary euthanasia legal under closely specified circumstances, a first for the country.&nbsp;

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who supported the bill after his father's death from cancer in 2016, said the laws were about giving patients a "dignified option at the end of their life".

"We've taken a compassionate approach," Andrews told commercial broadcaster Channel Nine, adding that he hoped it would bring people the dignity of a "good death."

Assisted suicide is illegal in most countries and in Australia until Victoria state introduced laws to legalise the practice in 2017.

The scheme will be accessible only to terminally ill adult patients with fewer than six months to live, or one year left to live for sufferers of conditions such as motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis.

Multiple restrictions will be put in place, including residency requirements and assessments from multiple doctors, meaning around 12 people are expected to use the law this year.

Andrews said that up to 150 might use the law each year after that. An independent review board and a coroner will track and monitor all deaths.

Other states in Australia have debated assisted dying in the past, but the proposals have always been defeated.

But experts said other states will now be watching closely to see how the law is implemented and whether they should follow suit.

"Although over forty attempts to change the law in Australia have failed in the past, more recent reform efforts appear to be getting closer to laws changing," Ben White from Queensland University of Technology's Australian Centre for Health Law Research said.

"Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia (states) all have inquiries considering a change."&nbsp;

The law has been criticised for being both too permissive and too stringent.

Prominent Australian euthanasia activist Philip Nitschke told Melbourne's The Age that the safeguards were "too strict and onerous" and could result in "challenges to the law pressing to broaden access".

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne said in a statement that the law was a &nbsp;"new and deeply troubling chapter of health care in Victoria".

"Pope Francis has encouraged ordinary Catholics everywhere to resist euthanasia and to protect the old, the young and the vulnerable from being cast aside in a 'throw-away culture'," the Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli and three other Victoria bishops said.

Terminally ill Australians can for the first time apply to end their own life after new laws went into effect in the state of Victoria Wednesday. The country's second most populous region made voluntary euthanasia legal under closely specified circumstances, a first for the country.

Terminally ill Australians can for the first time apply to end their own life after new laws went into effect in the state of Victoria Wednesday. The country's second most populous region made voluntary euthanasia legal under closely specified circumstances, a first for the country. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who supported the bill after his father's death from cancer in 2016, said the laws were about giving patients a "dignified option at the end of their life". "We've taken a compassionate approach," Andrews told commercial broadcaster Channel Nine, adding that he hoped it would bring people the dignity of a "good death." Assisted suicide is illegal in most countries and in Australia until Victoria state introduced laws to legalise the practice in 2017. The scheme will be accessible only to terminally ill adult patients with fewer than six months to live, or one year left to live for sufferers of conditions such as motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis. Multiple restrictions will be put in place, including residency requirements and assessments from multiple doctors, meaning around 12 people are expected to use the law this year. Andrews said that up to 150 might use the law each year after that. An independent review board and a coroner will track and monitor all deaths. Other states in Australia have debated assisted dying in the past, but the proposals have always been defeated. But experts said other states will now be watching closely to see how the law is implemented and whether they should follow suit. "Although over forty attempts to change the law in Australia have failed in the past, more recent reform efforts appear to be getting closer to laws changing," Ben White from Queensland University of Technology's Australian Centre for Health Law Research said. "Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia (states) all have inquiries considering a change." The law has been criticised for being both too permissive and too stringent. Prominent Australian euthanasia activist Philip Nitschke told Melbourne's The Age that the safeguards were "too strict and onerous" and could result in "challenges to the law pressing to broaden access". The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne said in a statement that the law was a "new and deeply troubling chapter of health care in Victoria". "Pope Francis has encouraged ordinary Catholics everywhere to resist euthanasia and to protect the old, the young and the vulnerable from being cast aside in a 'throw-away culture'," the Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli and three other Victoria bishops said.

Euthanasia becomes legal in the Australian state of Victoria

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