UK lawmakers progress bill legalizing ‘assisted dying’ for terminally ill adults
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Jun 21, 2025
Terminally ill adults in the UK may gain the right to assisted dying. Parliament advanced a bill Friday to allow it in England and Wales.
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For some terminally ill adults in England and Wales, choosing when and how to die may soon be
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a legal option. On Friday, UK lawmakers took a big step forward
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voting to advance a bill that would allow assisted dying, but it comes with rules
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It is not often we are asked to wrestle with issues of morality, ethics and humanity
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The bill passed the House of Commons 314 to 291. It would let adults who are terminally
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ill, mentally competent, and have lived locally for at least a year, ask for medical help to end
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their lives if death is expected within six months. Supporters say this is something the
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public is advocating for, a sentiment on display as hundreds gathered in the Palace of Westminster
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in anticipation of the vote. There has one simple thread running through it
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the need to correct the profound injustices of the status quo and to offer a compassionate and
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safe choice to terminally ill people who want to make it. Dignity in Dying celebrated the vote as
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a landmark for choice and pointed to polls showing strong public support. The process is guarded
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Two doctors must sign off patients get a reflection period and a new commissioner will oversee the entire process If approved the doctor hands the medication to the patient in person
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making it clear they can change their mind. The patient must take the final step themselves with the doctor close by if help is needed
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According to the bill's language, no one is forced to take part and doctors who help in good faith are legally protected
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The bill has been debated since it was introduced last November with hundreds of experts weighing in
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Why are the vast majority of palliative care doctors, geriatricians and groups representing people with disabilities
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eating disorders and domestic violence all in opposition, not to this principle, but to this bill
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A group of over 5,300 health care workers known as Our Duty of Care warn this could pressure vulnerable people to choose death
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They want better palliative care and mental health support instead. Key medical organizations have voiced concerns about the risk to vulnerable patients
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The bill now moves to the House of Lords where it could be tweaked or delayed
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Now if it passes, it would take effect in 2029. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey
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For the latest updates, fact-driven and unbiased, head to san.com or download the Straight Arrow News mobile app today
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