The UK House of Commons has approved a bill legalizing assisted dying in its third reading, Report informs, citing British media.
A total of 314 MPs voted in favor, while 291 opposed it. The bill will now proceed to the House of Lords for further consideration. If passed, it will not come into force before 2029.
Debate on the "Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults" bill began in Parliament in October 2024. Since then, numerous amendments and clarifications have been made.
The proposed legislation would allow terminally ill patients aged 18 and over in England and Wales to request and receive medical assistance to voluntarily end their lives. The bill includes several safeguards to prevent the abuse of the law.
Under the proposed framework, each case would be reviewed by a panel consisting of two independent doctors, a lawyer, a social worker, and a psychiatrist. Patients must have a life expectancy of no more than six months, be of sound mind, and make a clear, voluntary request without any coercion from family members or others.