On November 28, 2000, euthanasia was legalized in the Netherlands by the Dutch parliament - the first country to ever formally legalize the practice. They approved a bill that will allow euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide for patients undergoing irremediable and unbearable suffering. The patient's request must be voluntary and independant while they are of sound mind and, they must be aware of all other medical options and get a second professional opinion.