LONDON – British Parliament has taken a significant step toward legalising assisted dying, as lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Nov 29. The legislation, which has ignited national debate, aims to grant mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to choose a medically assisted death if they have six months or less to live.
Supporters hailed the vote as a victory for individual choice and dignity, arguing the Bill offers terminally ill patients control over their final days. Meanwhile, opponents raised concerns about potential pressures on vulnerable individuals to opt for assisted death to avoid burdening their families.
The vote signals the start of an extensive legislative process, with months of debate expected in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the Bill, noted it could take up to six months for the process to unfold.
Public opinion in Britain has increasingly shifted toward supporting assisted dying, but the topic remains deeply divisive, with heated exchanges in Parliament and demonstrations on both sides of the issue. Critics have also called for greater focus on improving palliative care as an alternative.
If passed, the Bill would place Britain among a growing number of countries that have legalised some form of assisted dying, reflecting evolving attitudes toward end-of-life autonomy.