Historic Step for Legalized Euthanasia in Britain as MPs Back Assisted Dying Legislation
On June 20, Britain took a historic step towards legalizing euthanasia, as Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of contentious legislation aimed at introducing assisted dying for terminally ill individuals. The decision followed four hours of emotional debate in the House of Commons, where lawmakers cast their votes, resulting in 314 in support and 291 against the proposed bill. This significant outcome allows the proposal to move forward to the House of Lords for further examination.
The vote evoked celebrations among supporters gathered outside Parliament, who argue that legalizing euthanasia will provide dignity and choice for those with incurable illnesses at the end of their lives. In contrast, opponents attending a nearby counter-protest expressed concerns that vulnerable individuals could be coerced into choosing death and advocated for a greater focus on improving palliative care.
The Terminally Ill Adults End of Life Bill would permit assisted suicide in England and Wales for adults diagnosed with less than six months to live. To ensure the process is safe, patients would need to self-administer the life-ending substance, and any request for assisted dying must be approved by two doctors and a panel of experts.
This legislative change would position Britain alongside several other countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, that have adopted forms of assisted dying. The bill has been refined since its initial consideration in November, which saw MPs endorse it by a tally of 330 to 275 votes. Notable amendments include a ban on advertisements promoting assisted dying and provisions allowing healthcare workers to opt-out of participation. Additionally, MPs included safeguards ensuring that individuals would not qualify for assisted dying solely due to voluntarily refusing food or water, thus alleviating concerns regarding those with conditions like anorexia.
Despite strong backing from the public—evidenced by a YouGov poll showing that 73% of the 2,003 respondents favor an assisted dying law—the medical community in Britain remains divided on the issue. Notably, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's health and justice secretaries have publicly opposed the proposed changes.
The House of Lords is expected to evaluate the legislation before the end of the current parliamentary year, anticipated in the fall. If approved and granted royal assent, implementation of an assisted dying service would still take four years. A government impact assessment hints that around 160 to 640 assisted deaths could occur in the first year, potentially increasing to about 4,500 in ten years.
Currently, assisted suicide in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can lead to a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. Meanwhile, separate legislation is progressing through the devolved Scottish Parliament. Notably, the Isle of Man recently became the first British territory to pass an assisted dying bill at the end of March.
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