UK Parliament to vote on assisted dying legislation

British lawmakers are set to vote on a second reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, a piece of legislation that would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to end their lives with medical assistance. The bill, sponsored by Labour MP Lauren Edwards, is substantially similar to a previous version that stalled in the House of Lords earlier this year.

Under the proposed law, mentally competent adults with six months or fewer to live could request assistance following approval from an expert panel and two doctors. The government has maintained a neutral stance, allowing MPs to vote according to their conscience. Supporters, including high-profile campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, argue the reform is a necessary progressive step to provide autonomy to the terminally ill.

Opponents have raised significant concerns regarding the protection of vulnerable groups, such as disabled people and those with mental health struggles. Catholic bishops in England and Wales have described the bill as ‘flawed and dangerous,’ warning of potential coercion. Additionally, Labour MP Ashley Dalton, who is currently undergoing treatment for stage four cancer, has urged colleagues to vote against the measure, citing the intense psychological distress and lack of support for those facing terminal diagnoses.