Assisted Dying Bill

The legislation to legalise Assisted Dying in England and Wales is currently the subject of heated debate in Parliament, with Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP for Spen Valley, presenting the second reading of the issue today.

Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill proposes that adults diagnosed with a terminal illness and given less than six months to live, would have the option to request medical assistance to end their lives.

After an intense five-hour debate, MPs voted to advance the Assisted Dying Bill to the next stage of the legislative process, signalling a potential shift toward the legalisation of Assisted Dying in the UK. This marks a significant change from 2015, when a similar proposal was overwhelmingly rejected, with 330 votes against and only 118 in favour. Today, the Bill gained 330 votes in favour, with 275 against, securing a majority of 55.

The call for legal reform has gained momentum over the years, as several terminally ill individuals have sought to challenge the existing law by appealing to the High Court for the right to die. Despite these efforts, the European Court of Human Rights has consistently ruled that there is no inherent ‘human right’ to assisted dying, leaving the decision to individual nations.

Public opinion on the matter appears to have shifted, with growing support for the legalisation of assisted dying to allow individuals to maintain dignity at the end of life. However, strong opposition remains, particularly from disability advocates, who argue that the Bill lacks sufficient safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from feeling pressured into ending their lives.

Kim Leadbeater has addressed these concerns, stressing that allowing the option of assisted dying would not force anyone to choose it, and that terminally ill individuals could still choose to forgo this option if they wish.

The legislation will now proceed to the committee stage, where it will undergo further scrutiny. The House of Lords will also have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the matter, before a potential further vote to introduce the legislation in England and Wales. 

As the ultimate outcome is yet to be determined, the discussions surrounding Assisted Dying continue to evolve. Regardless of the outcome, it remains crucial to ensure that your affairs are in order, as no one can predict when their time will come.