Spain is on course to ratify a euthanasia law this spring allowing assisted suicide across the country. Michael Robinson, SPUC Director of Communications, said: “When this new law is ratified it will be a devastating moment for the people of Spain. Legalised assisted suicide puts vulnerable people at risk and creates a society where human life is cheapened.”

The bill, which was presented by the Spanish Socialists Workers’ Party, received cross party support last December following years of previous failed attempts. Once the assisted suicide law is ratified, Spain will become one of six countries worldwide to permit euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Euthanasia and all forms of assisted suicide are currently illegal in Spain. Assisting in a person’s death can result in a sentence of up to ten years.

Last year’s decision by Spanish politicians will allow lethal substances to be administered to vulnerable patients who are suffering from an “unbearable” illness.

The suicide law, is expected to be signed into law during the spring of 2021.

Resistance

Up until now, attempts to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia in Spain have faced resistance and widespread opposition from Spanish politicians and the public.

Protests were held outside the Spanish parliament buildings in Madrid during previous debates on assisted suicide,

Last year, SPUC reported on the Spanish Bishops’ Conference which decried the  move to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide  stating that: “Human life is not a good anyone can dispose of”.

"We cannot make the same mistake in the UK"

SPUC’s Mr Robinson said: “The very presence of assisted suicide laws put ill  and disabled people under increasing pressure to end their lives.

“The legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide in countries around the world marks a terrifying trend that cheapens human life and increasingly views death as the default response to suffering.

“Here in the UK, we cannot make the same mistake. We must oppose every move to legalise euthanasia and assisted suicide. That would be a tragic step towards creating a culture where people feel their best option in life is to die.”