British lawmakers voted on Friday to legalize assisted dying, passing a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to end their lives. The House of Commons passed the measure by 330 votes to 275 after emotional debates and years of campaigning, CNN reported.
The bill, which still needs approval from the House of Lords and parliamentary committees, marks a major step toward making the UK one of the few countries to allow assisted dying. If enacted, it would permit terminally ill individuals with less than six months to live to take a life-ending substance, provided they are capable of making the decision. The choice would require the approval of two doctors and a High Court judge.
Countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Spain, and several U.S. states, including Oregon and California, already have some form of assisted dying laws.
The debate divided members, many of whom faced significant pressure. A “free vote” was held, allowing members to vote based on conscience rather than party directives.
Esther Rantzen, a prominent supporter of assisted dying who has advanced lung cancer, wrote an open letter urging MPs to act, saying that “under current law, terminally ill people have limited choices, often leading to suffering or traveling abroad to access assisted dying.”
Proponents argued that the bill provides dignity for terminally ill patients by ending prolonged suffering. Public opinion appears supportive, with polls showing a majority in favor.
Critics raised concerns about safeguards, arguing they may not adequately protect vulnerable individuals who might feel pressured to opt for assisted dying to avoid burdening their families. Others questioned whether the National Health Service (NHS) is equipped to implement such a law, citing existing resource strains.
Assisted dying remains a criminal act in the UK, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The proposed legislation is stricter than laws in countries such as Switzerland and the Netherlands, where assisted suicide is also permitted in cases of suffering unrelated to terminal illness.