New Zealand's parliament has voted in favour of legalising euthanasia, paving the way for a national referendum on the issue next year.

Axar.az reports citing foreign media.

The law would allow terminally ill people with less than six months to live the opportunity to choose assisted dying if approved by two doctors.

The bill was passed with a vote of 69-51, ending years of heated parliamentary debate on the topic.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has supported calls for euthanasia reform.

A recent poll suggested 72% of New Zealanders supported some form of assisted dying.