News Desk
20 June 2025, 03:03 PM IST
Unlike euthanasia, where a healthcare provider administers the life-ending drug, assisted suicide requires the patient to take the final step themselves.
Representational Image | Canva
London: In a significant step toward changing end-of-life care policy in the United Kingdom, Members of Parliament on Friday approved a bill that would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to choose to end their lives. The vote, 314 in favour and 291 against, moves the legislation closer to becoming law, although it still faces further scrutiny.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been under parliamentary consideration since November and was introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. It has undergone several revisions following legal and ethical debates over its scope and implementation.
Unlike previous proposals, the latest version no longer requires judicial approval for assisted dying requests. Instead, decisions would be reviewed by two doctors and a multidisciplinary panel, including a social worker, a senior legal professional, and a psychiatrist. Applicants must be over 18, diagnosed with a terminal illness, and have less than six months to live. Importantly, individuals must be able to self-administer the prescribed medication.
The bill also introduces safeguards for vulnerable groups, such as the disabled or those with mental health conditions. These include the appointment of independent advocates and the creation of a disability advisory board to ensure ethical oversight and support.
Crucially, the legislation emphasises that participation by medical and care professionals would be entirely voluntary. No doctor, pharmacist, or social care worker would be compelled to take part in the process.
Public and political opinion on the bill remains sharply divided. Advocates argue that the measure offers a compassionate option for those suffering from incurable conditions and addresses inequalities that allow only wealthier individuals to access assisted dying services abroad. Critics, however, raise concerns that the law could expose vulnerable individuals to undue pressure or coercion.
The vote marks one of the most significant shifts in UK social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. However, the bill must now pass through the unelected House of Lords, which can propose amendments or delay its progress but cannot block it entirely. Any changes would return to the House of Commons for final approval.
If enacted, the law is expected to take effect by 2029, following a four-year implementation timeline. This coincides with the latest possible date for the next general election, leaving room for further political and public debate.
The government has pledged to respect the outcome of the vote, although Cabinet members remain divided. Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the bill, while the health secretary opposed it.
The financial and logistical implications of the legislation on the NHS, palliative care systems, and legal infrastructure are yet to be fully detailed. Similar laws exist in countries such as Canada, Belgium, Australia, and parts of the United States, with varying degrees of eligibility and procedural requirements.
Unlike euthanasia, where a healthcare provider administers the life-ending drug, assisted suicide requires the patient to take the final step themselves. This distinction is key in jurisdictions that have chosen to legalise the practice.
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