Landmark Assisted Dying Bill Faces Crunch Vote in UK Parliament Today

What Happened

The UK Parliament is set to vote today on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, commonly known as the assisted dying bill. If passed, it would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to apply for assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a multidisciplinary panel. The bill has undergone significant amendments, including replacing judicial oversight with a panel consisting of medical and legal professionals, and ensuring protections for vulnerable individuals. While public support is strong, some lawmakers express concern about protections for vulnerable people and the impact on the National Health Service.

What Next

If the bill passes the House of Commons, it will proceed to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. If approved there, the legislation could become law by October, with a four-year implementation period. The decision is seen as a landmark moment in UK healthcare and ethics legislation.