MPs to vote on legalising assisted dying in England and Wales
MPs in England and Wales are set to vote on a bill that would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults with less than six months to live. The proposal faces intense debate regarding the adequacy of safeguards for vulnerable individuals.
Why it matters
The legislation represents a significant ethical and legal shift in end-of-life care policy, balancing individual autonomy against protections for the vulnerable.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, 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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