Legislators pass assisted-suicide bill

German lawmakers passed a bill Friday allowing assisted suicide for “altruistic motives” but banning the practice in cases where it is being conducted on a “business” basis.

The issue is a particularly sensitive topic in a country where the last time euthanasia was part of public policy it was used by the Nazis to kill more than 200,000 people with physical and mental disabilities.

Lawmakers voted 360-233 in favour, despite fears voiced by many that it could lead to charges against doctors. The measure allows assisted suicide on an “individual basis out of altruistic motives” but threatens up to three years in jail for anyone who offers suicide to someone else “on business terms.”

It was one of four bills considered in a debate that cut across party lines, and was the version favoured by Chancellor Angela Merkel.