The Portuguese parliament is expected to decide today to legalize medically assisted euthanasia. The MPs are voting on a draft law that allows adults in a situation of “extreme suffering and irreversible impairment” to resort to active euthanasia.
Doctors and psychiatrists must validate the decision if there are any doubts about the ability to make a “free and informed” decision.
The vote is expected at lunchtime. If Parliament approves, Portugal, with a majority Catholic, will become the fourth EU country after Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg to allow euthanasia.
The law has to be signed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has just been confirmed in office. The conservative politician and devout Catholic has not publicly commented on the issue of euthanasia. He could veto the law, but be outvoted in a second parliamentary vote.
