In a historic decision, the UK Parliament has passed a bill that will legalise assisted dying in England and Wales, following a closely contested vote. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed with 314 Members of Parliament in favour and 291 against, a narrow majority of 23 votes. The bill now proceeds to the House of Lords for further scrutiny and possible amendments.
The legislation would allow terminally ill adults to request medical assistance to end their lives under strict safeguards. To qualify, individuals must be 18 or older, residents of England or Wales and registered with a GP for at least 12 months. They must also be diagnosed with a terminal illness and expected to die within six months, have full mental capacity and make two formal declarations witnessed and signed.
Two independent doctors must assess the request at least seven days apart and if approved, a 14-day waiting period is mandated. While a doctor would prepare the life-ending medication, the patient must self-administer it. Coercion or undue influence would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The UK will now join countries like Canada and Australia, along with several US states, that permit assisted dying under regulated frameworks.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government maintained a neutral stance, allowing MPs to vote according to personal conscience. Starmer himself supported the bill.
Advocates hailed the decision as a step toward dignity and compassion for the terminally ill. However, critics of the bill warned of potential risks to vulnerable individuals. Hundreds gathered outside Parliament as the vote took place.
Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying, Reuters reported. Friday’s vote followed hours of emotional debate and references to personal stories in the chamber and followed a vote in November that approved the legislation in principle.
Opponents of the bill had argued that ill people may feel they should end their lives for fear of being a burden to their families and society. Some lawmakers withdrew their support after the initial vote last year, saying safeguards had been weakened.
Friday’s vote took place 10 years after parliament last voted against allowing assisted dying.