KATHMANDU, Nov 30: British lawmakers have voted in favor of legalizing assisted dying in England and Wales, marking a historic shift in legislation.
In the first parliamentary vote on the matter in nearly a decade, Members of Parliament (MPs) approved the bill, which allows terminally ill adults expected to die within six months to seek assistance to end their lives. The vote passed by a majority of 55, with 330 MPs in favor and 275 against, according to BBC News.
The debate in the House of Commons was deeply emotional, with MPs on both sides sharing personal experiences that shaped their decisions. Despite the outcome, the bill still faces a long journey through Parliament, requiring thorough debates, potential amendments, and approval from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before it becomes law, BBC reported.
Illinois governor announces plan to legalize marijuana
Supporters of the legislation, including campaign group Dignity in Dying, celebrated the decision as a "historic step" toward giving terminally ill individuals greater control over their end-of-life choices. Outside Parliament, advocates wept and embraced as the result was announced.
Dame Esther Rantzen, a prominent campaigner for assisted dying and a broadcaster living with terminal lung cancer, expressed her joy at the outcome, although she acknowledged the change might come too late for her. She said the proposed law would spare future generations the ordeals faced by terminally ill patients today.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill, said she was "overwhelmed" by the outcome and deeply moved to deliver the news to campaigners, according to the BBC report.
However, opposition to the bill remains strong. Conservative MP Danny Kruger, a vocal critic, warned that the legislation could face defeat in the future if safeguards were not strengthened. He emphasized concerns among MPs about the potential risks of the law and expressed hope that amendments addressing these issues would be made. The debate over assisted dying is expected to continue as the bill undergoes further scrutiny in the months ahead.
