MPs to vote on legalising assisted dying in England and Wales
MPs in the UK are set to vote on a bill that would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults with less than six months to live. Proponents argue the current law causes unnecessary suffering, while opponents remain concerned about the adequacy of safeguards for vulnerable individuals.
Why it matters
This is a high-stakes legislative debate regarding medical ethics and human rights that has faced significant parliamentary hurdles in the past.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Richard Wheeler , Political reporter and Tabby Wilson Getty Images The proposal passed the Commons earlier this year but its progress stalled due to opposition in the Lords The legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales could move a step closer on Friday when MPs vote on a proposal to introduce it.
The bill would allow adults with fewer than six months to live to apply to be given help to end their own life, subject to certain safeguards.
Labour MP Lauren Edwards, the bill's sponsor, said there was a "real human cost to the delay" in passing the legislation - but opponents say it lacks sufficient safeguards, particularly for vulnerable people.
The last effort to change the law was supported by MPs but stalled in the House of Lords earlier this year after peers tabled more than 1,200 amendments.
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