Spanish parliament to debate on euthanasia decriminalization after Catalan initiative

The Spanish parliament will debate on the decriminalization of euthanasia following a petition from the Catalan chamber. On Thursday, all parties voted in favor of bringing the proposed reform of the criminal code to the parliament floor, with the exception of Spain’s ruling People’s Party (against) and Ciutadans (abstention).

Euthanasia, a crime in Spain

In Spain, helping another person die—no matter their circumstances—is considered a crime punishable with up to 10 years in prison. So far, all attempts to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide have failed.

In July 2017, the Catalan parliament approved a petition calling for a reform of Spain’s criminal code in order to protect people who help another person die in a “safe, peaceful and painless” way. The person in question should have a “terminal disease” or  “an incurable pathology that causes severe physical or psychological suffering” on a permanent basis.

Three members of the Catalan parliament traveled to Madrid in order to present the proposal before the Spanish chamber: Assumpta Escarp (Catalan Socialists), Alba Bergés (Esquerra Republicana) and Marta Ribas (Catalunya En Comú Podem).

Parallel proposal

A parallel proposal by Spain’s Socialist party (PSOE) calls for an actual legalization of euthanasia, rather than just its decriminalization, which would regulate the role of doctors in helping people put an end to their lives, either directly or by providing medical counseling. The petition needs the approval of the Spanish parliament bureau before it can be debated.