On November 29, the UK House of Commons approved a bill on legalizing assisted suicide in its second reading.
The bill, titled “The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill,” received 330 votes in favor and 275 against, securing a majority of 55 votes. The legislation will now move to committee stages, including consideration in the House of Lords, before requiring a final vote to become law.
The proposal, which has sparked intense debate among lawmakers and the public, has significantly increased its chances of eventual approval. The bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, proposes that terminally ill adults with less than six months to live be allowed to choose assisted suicide. This would involve ending their life voluntarily with the help of a trained professional.
The legislation includes strict safeguards: the decision must be approved by two independent doctors and a High Court judge, and the patient must administer the medication themselves. Additionally, the bill imposes a penalty of up to 14 years in prison for anyone who coerces another person into seeking assisted suicide.
If enacted, the law would apply only to England and Wales. Separate proposals are under consideration in Scotland and on the UK Crown dependencies, including the Isle of Man and Jersey.
