Spain is to become the fourth European country after the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg to allow people to end their lives under certain conditions.
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The law legalising assisted dying comes into force on Friday, but full implementation of the new regulations is likely to take some time, as the procedural arrangements have not yet been established nationwide.
Parliament approved the bill, presented by the leftist government under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, three months ago.
Politicians opposed to it were from the conservative People's Party and the right-wing populist Vox party, as well as two smaller parties.
Vox filed a constitutional complaint, but this did not prevent the law from going into effect. The Catholic Church also opposes the new regulations.
The law allows active euthanasia by doctors for adult patients who are terminally ill or have severe disabilities and suffer from unbearable pain.
Mental illness is not a reason for euthanasia.
It also allows for indirect euthanasia in the form of assisted suicide, meaning the patient helps carry out the procedure.
The process involves a series of stages and several doctors, lawyers and commissions. A patient must declare four times they wish to end their life.
If the patient is no longer in full possession of their mental faculties, a declaration written earlier stating the wish for assisted suicide in the event of terminal illness and unbearable suffering can be taken into account.
Physicians and caregivers also have the right to not participate in euthanasia for reasons of conscience.
Australian Associated Press
