Third attempt on euthanasia in Portugal

Portugal’s parliament voted to allow euthanasia – for the third time. Twice before, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has vetoed the law.

The bill concerns medically assisted euthanasia, and the Socialist Party and some members from the opposition stand behind the bill.

The president can choose between sending the bill approved by parliament to a constitutional court for review, vetoing it again, or approving the law.

The president said before Friday’s vote that a decision would come “soon, definitely before Christmas”.

The law concerns adults who have a serious and incurable illness and who, among other things, are fully aware and informed of the extent of the issue.