In a historic ruling, the UK Parliament on Friday voted to legalize assisted dying, taking a significant step towards one of the biggest social changes in years. The “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)” bill cleared the House of Commons by 314 to 291 votes and will now move to the House of Lords for consideration.
The law would enable mentally capable adults in England and Wales, with a terminal disease and life expectancy of six months or less, to opt for a medically assisted death. The bill is a copycat of already implemented measures in Australia, Canada, and some states in the US.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour administration took a neutral position, permitting MPs to vote on party-neutral conviction. Starmer himself voted for the bill.
Proponents of the bill contend it preserves dignity and compassion for those under immense suffering at the end of life. Opponents are concerned that vulnerable people may be pressured into ending their lives.
Outside Parliament, there were emotional scenes as advocates cheered the result with placards and cheers, but opponents remained quietly in dismay.
Emma Bray, a 42-year-old mother of three who suffers from motor neurone disease, expressed backing for the bill, stating her own intention to kill herself by starvation next month. “This victory will ensure that people won’t have to endure the same ordeal that I’ve experienced,” she said.
Public opinion in favor of assisted dying has increased over the last few years with opinion polls repeatedly reporting majority support throughout the UK.
Although the bill still awaits further examination and possible amendment in the House of Lords, its passage in the elected chamber greatly increases the bill’s prospects of becoming law, bringing a possible revolution to end-of-life care policy.