Euthanasia becomes legal in Holland

Holland has become the first country to legally allow mercy killings and assisted suicides.

Holland has become the first country to legally allow mercy killings and assisted suicides.

The euthanasia law allows doctors to help end the lives of patients who have unbearable, terminal illness, but only under stringent procedures.

Passage of the Bill ended a 30-year debate, although it was opposed by conservative Christian political parties.

Some parties said it did not go far enough, and have made it an issue in the campaign for May 15 national elections.

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Democrats 66, the party of Health Minister Mr Els Borst who guided the Bill through parliament, says the next government should consider the introduction of a suicide pill for patients who are healthy, but simply tired of life.