British lawmakers are expected to vote on a law proposed to help terminally ill adults end their lives. The contentious bill being debated Friday in Parliament would allow adults expected to have fewer than six months to live to request and be provided with help to end their life.
FILE - A small demonstration by people advocating assisted dying hold a protest outside the Hoses of Parliament as a bill to legalise assisted dying is to be put before lawmakers in London, England , Oct. 16, 2024.
Supporters say the law would provide dignity to the dying and prevent unnecessary suffering. Opponents say it would put vulnerable people at risk, fearing that some would be coerced to end their lives and that some elderly or disabled people may opt for death so they don’t become a burden. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has previously supported assisted dying, said the government will remain neutral and he wouldn’t reveal how he would vote. Some members of his cabinet have said they will support the bill, while others are against it.
If ultimately approved, any new law is unlikely to come into effect within the next two to three years, supporters say.Under the proposed legislation, only those over 18 years old in England and Wales and who are expected to die within six months can request assisted dying. They must have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life and will be required to make two separate declarations about their wish to die.
England Death And Dying United Kingdom Government General News Gord Brown Health Liz Truss Science Theresa May David Cameron Politics Keir Starmer Boris Johnson Legislation World News
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