UK Lawmakers Vote in Favour of Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill
LONDON: UK lawmakers have voted in favour of assisted dying for terminally ill people in England and Wales, advancing the emotive and contentious legislation to the next stage of parliamentary scrutiny.
Historic Vote
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was debated in the House of Commons for nearly five hours, with lawmakers voting 330 to 275 in support of legalised euthanasia. This marks the first vote on the issue in the House of Commons for nearly a decade.
Debate and Protests
The debate was emotionally charged, with competing protesters making their voices heard outside parliament. Protesters against the bill held signs with slogans such as "Kill the Bill, not the ill" and "Care not killing", while supporters of the legislation wore pink and held placards with slogans like "My life, my death, my choice".
Bill Progresses to Committee Stage
The bill now progresses to the committee stage, where lawmakers can table amendments. The legislation will then face further votes in the Commons and House of Lords upper chamber. The process is expected to take months, with a change in the law potentially several years away.
Public Support Shifts
The House of Commons last debated a euthanasia bill in 2015, but public support for giving terminally ill people the choice to end their lives has since shifted in favour, according to polls. A change in the law would see Britain emulate several other countries in Europe and elsewhere who allow some form of assisted dying.
Key Provisions
The bill would allow assisted suicide in England and Wales for adults with an incurable illness who have a life expectancy of fewer than six months and are able to take the substance that causes their death themselves. Any patient’s wish to die would have to be signed off by a judge and two doctors. The measures are stricter than assisted dying laws in other European countries and also proposed legislation being contemplated in France.
Opposition and Concerns
Some lawmakers expressed concern that people might feel coerced into opting for euthanasia, while others were worried it would discriminate against people with disabilities. Opponents also worry that the healthcare system is not ready for such a landmark change and that it could cause a decline in investment for palliative care.
Conclusion
The passage of the bill is a significant step towards changing the law, but it is just the beginning of a long and complex process. The bill will now face further scrutiny in the committee stage and subsequent votes in the Commons and House of Lords. As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the ethical and practical implications of assisted dying and to ensure that any changes to the law prioritize the welfare and dignity of all individuals involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the bill?
A: The bill aims to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people in England and Wales.
Q: What are the key provisions of the bill?
A: The bill would allow assisted suicide for adults with an incurable illness who have a life expectancy of fewer than six months and are able to take the substance that causes their death themselves.
Q: How did lawmakers vote on the bill?
A: Lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in support of the bill.
Q: What is the next step for the bill?
A: The bill will now progress to the committee stage, where lawmakers can table amendments, and then face further votes in the Commons and House of Lords.