QUEBEC CITY -- The PQ government's Medical Aid in Dying Bill, which some have called an assisted suicide bill, has moved one step closer to becoming law.

The National Assembly voted Tuesday to pass the bill on second reading. It will go back to a committee for study and possible changes.

The vote was described as an extremely personal decision, with 84 MNAs voting yes and 26 voting no.

MNAs cheered Véronique Hivon, the public health minister who spent four years drafting the bill.

“We think it's really a way to show our compassion, solidarity and also to protect the most vulnerable people,” she said.

The bill would establish a way for the terminally ill and those whose suffering is unbearable to end their lives with the help of a doctor.

It has widespread support from many groups, said Hivon.

“Handicapped people, elderly people, also of course the professional bodies; the College des Medecins, Barreau du Quebec, Protecteur du citoyen, Comité des usagers. I feel we're on really solid ground,” she said.

Half the Liberal caucus voted against the bill, calling it far too vague.

“The project of law doesn’t answer my questions,” said Liberal MNA Marguerite Blais, who formerly served as the minister responsible for seniors.

Liberal MNA Pierre Paradis said everyone has a different view of death.

“When you legislate, you try to create something equal for everybody, and it's not equal for everybody – except everybody dies,” he said.

Rita de Santis, also a Liberal MNA, voted for it, but said she was not surprised not all Liberals agreed.

“The reasoning is not only rational, it’s also emotional,” she said. “It's based on religious beliefs of people. It’s based on cultural beliefs of people, so of course there are divisions.”

Liberal leader Philippe Couillard, a neurosurgeon before he entered politics, said the bill right now leaves it unclear whether what is being proposed is much more than euthanasia for humans.

The difference between medical aid in dying and euthanasia is fear, he said.

“It’s fear that they have when they enter this last phase of their life. Once fear dissipates, I would not say death becomes easy – it would be wrong to say that – but it becomes easier to accept,” he said.

The landmark bill on a very difficult subject we all face could create a law that would be a first in Canada.

Minister Hivon said this is not the final word on the matter; she is open to changes once the bill goes to a committee for study.