Dutch MPs have ended decades of uncertainty for the medical profession by voting to enshrine in law the exemption from criminal prosecution for doctors performing euthanasia within strict criteria.

The Ministry of Justice maintains that the bill does not amount to the legalisation of euthanasia but to “decriminalisation in certain circumstances.” If the bill is approved by the senate then the Netherlands will become the first country in the world to legislate on mercy killing.

A doctor currently performing euthanasia must first report what remains …