Showing posts with label Rebelo de Sousa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rebelo de Sousa. Show all posts

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Portugal's Euthanasia Law Goes For Constitutional Review


LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal’s president on Thursday asked the country’s Constitutional Court to evaluate a recent law passed by parliament that allows euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill and gravely injured people.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said in a statement the legislation appears “excessively imprecise,” potentially creating a situation of “legal uncertainty.” 

Lawmakers three weeks ago approved by a significant majority the final wording of the bill, following almost a year of discussions to detail administrative procedures and other aspects of the procedures. The bill then went to the head of state, who had to decide whether to approve the law, veto it or send it to the Constitutional Court for review. 

Rebelo de Sousa said the bill also raises a series of questions about the constitutionality of “such a complex and controversial issue.” 

Parliament can override a presidential veto by voting a second time for approval.