MPs are gearing up for a pivotal vote on the legalisation of assisted dying this Friday, June 20, following a prolonged period of advocacy. The House will cast their votes freely, reflecting personal convictions, with the outcome of the landmark bill hanging in the balance.
Have your say! Should the UK allow assisted dying? Have there been times when you wished it were legal in this country? What problems can you see with it? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
The proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill aims to empower individuals with a prognosis of six months or less to live, granting them the agency to request an end to their suffering. This would only proceed with the consent of two medical practitioners and a panel that includes a social worker, a senior legal professional, and a psychiatrist.
Last November, the bill cleared its second reading with MPs voting 330 to 275 in favour of refining the legislation. With some MPs indicating a shift in their stance since then, the forthcoming vote could yield a different tally.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has consistently backed the bill and is expected to maintain his support, although the government officially maintains a neutral position. The “free vote” allows MPs to exercise their judgement without repercussions, as reported by the Mirror.
Campaigning has been fervent and heartfelt on both sides, with advocates arguing that it’s ethically right to give terminally ill individuals the choice to end their lives and their suffering. At present, people are forced to travel overseas for such procedures, or resort to suicide, and assisting another person in suicide can result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years, even if the intention was compassionate.
Opponents of assisted dying often cite moral or religious reasons, contending that everyone deserves the best possible end-of-life care. Some express concern that the availability of assisted dying could lead to individuals feeling pressured into choosing this option, and argue that it would be unsafe or too complex to implement effectively.
A YouGov poll conducted last month revealed that three-quarters of British adults support the introduction of assisted dying in some form. One in five agree with it in principle, but doubt the feasibility of creating adequate legislation around it.
Have your say! Should the UK allow assisted dying? Have there been times when you wished it were legal in this country? What problems can you see with it? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
