UK edges closer to assisted dying law

Protesters for and against the assisted dying law rallied on opposite sides of a street outside Britain's parliament as lawmakers voted on the bill.

British lawmakers voted 314-291 in favor of the "Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)" bill, marking a significant step towards legalizing assisted dying in England and Wales. This legislation allows mentally competent adults diagnosed with terminal illnesses and given six months or less to live to choose medically assisted death, pending approval from two doctors and an expert panel.

The vote sparked emotional rallies outside Parliament, with supporters celebrating the decision. Many wore pink and held placards advocating for personal choice in end-of-life decisions. Emma Bray, a 42-year-old with motor neurone disease, expressed hope that the law would alleviate future suffering for others.

Conversely, opponents, including faith leaders, disability advocates, and medical professionals, gathered nearby, voicing concerns about the potential for coercion and the risks associated with assisted dying. They carried signs with messages like "Kill the bill, not the ill," and over 1,000 doctors signed a letter criticizing the bill as flawed and dangerous, citing issues such as inaccurate prognoses and unequal access to care.

The bill now moves to the House of Lords for further examination, where it may face amendments but is unlikely to be blocked given its support in the House of Commons. Proponents argue that the legislation includes robust protections against coercion, while critics fear it could lead to vulnerable individuals feeling pressured to end their lives. Public opinion appears to favor the bill, with polls indicating 70-73% support for legal assisted dying. The debate reflects a deep societal divide over the issue, with passionate arguments on both sides regarding the ethics and implications of assisted dying.