Parliament votes to support assisted dying bill
Today, the UK Parliament in Westminster held a discussion on a proposed law to allow assisted dying for adults with terminal illnesses in England and Wales. The majority of Members of Parliament supported the bill, with 330 voting for it and 275 voting against. As a result, it will undergo further examination by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, a process that is expected to take several months.
Kim Leadbetter MP introduced this Private Members Bill after the scheduled debate in April 2024 was called off due to the announcement of a General Election. Meanwhile, discussions about assisted dying are progressing in both the Scottish Parliament and the Tynwald Court in the Isle of Man. In Jersey, the States Assembly has given the green light to assisted dying in principle and is working on legislation that is anticipated to be enacted by 2027.
You can explore additional UK laws and the context surrounding the assisted dying discussion in our article.
If the legislation being discussed today is passed, it would allow assisted dying for individuals who are capable of making their own choices, have received a terminal diagnosis, and are projected to live for no more than six months. The process includes several protective measures that involve doctors and judges to verify eligibility and confirm that no one is being pressured into this decision.
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) probably won't qualify for assisted dying under this legislation since MS is generally not classified as a terminal illness. As the bill moves through the parliamentary process, it is expected to undergo some revisions. However, it seems improbable that the criteria for eligibility will be adjusted to encompass those with chronic conditions such as MS.
Discussions among members of the MS community reveal that there are deep opinions regarding the bill, with individuals expressing support for and opposition to assisted dying. That's why we choose to remain neutral and do not take a stance on this matter.
We will keep an eye on the discussions and suggested laws happening throughout the UK, as we understand that this is a significant and delicate topic for our community.
We understand that discussions about assisted dying can be tough and possibly unsettling. If you're feeling anxious or troubled, please reach out for help from friends, family, or healthcare and social services professionals.
Here, you can access a list of organizations that provide support for anxiety, grief, or emotional distress.
If you have any inquiries, feel free to reach out to our Helpline at 0800 032 38 39.
