England and Wales Edged Closer to Legalizing Assisted Dying
Lawmakers in the House of Commons voted 330 to 275 in favor of a bill that would allow terminally ill adults to end their lives, subject to safeguards and protections. The proposal would enable individuals over 18 with less than six months to live to request and be provided with help to end their lives.
The vote followed hours of emotional debate, with lawmakers sharing personal stories of loss and suffering. While the bill is controversial, a majority of Britons support the principle of assisted dying, according to polls. Euthanasia or assisted dying is legal in several European countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Austria, and Portugal, as well as in 10 U.S. states.
Supporters of the bill argue it would provide dignity to the dying and prevent unnecessary suffering, while opponents, including faith leaders, claim it would put vulnerable people at risk of being coerced into ending their lives.
The proposed bill would require two doctors and a High Court judge to verify that the person had made the decision voluntarily, with pressuring or coercing someone into ending their life punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The bill’s main sponsor, Kim Leadbeater, said the process would take around six months, with a second vote expected to take place. Opponents, including Conservative MP Danny Kruger, expressed concerns over the bill’s loopholes and the lack of strong safeguards.
U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer voted in favor of the bill, while some of his Cabinet members, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood, voted against it. The bill will now be sent to further scrutiny in Parliament before a final vote.
