Legislation providing for the regulation of assisted dying was approved by Spanish MPs this month with 202 in favour, 141 against and two abstentions.

A regional structure will be established in three months’ time to review and authorise requests for assisted dying under the new law.

Health Minister Carolina Darias told MPs: “It is an important day because we are making progress in the recognition of rights. It is an important day for all citizens because we are moving towards a more humane and just society.

“Above all, it is an important day for those who are in a situation of serious suffering, and it is also important for their families and the people close to them.”

The minister said the law would balance “on the one hand, the fundamental rights to life and physical and moral integrity and, on the other, constitutionally protected goods such as dignity, freedom and autonomy of the will”.

However, opponents of the law, including the far-right party Vox, have threatened to challenge the law before the Constitutional Court of Spain.