10 hours ago
Assisted dying on course to become law in the UK
British MPs have voted to change the suicide law in the UK and allow terminally ill people in England and Wales, the choice to end their lives.
After a bitterly contested vote in the Commons this afternoon, the motion was passed by 314 votes to 291, a majority of 23, approving Kim Leadbeaters Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) bill, which will now be handed over the the House of Lords where it will undergo further scrutiny.
Both houses must agree on the ruling before the Assisted Dying Bill can become law, but even with that, it's thought it may be 2029 before assisted suicide is offered in Britain and Wales. Esther Rantzen's daughter Rebecca Wilcox (centre) celebrates with Dignity in Dying campaigners in Westminster, central London, after the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was passed in the House of Commons. Pic: Yui Mok/PA Wire
This is the biggest change to the law on suicide in decades, and passed through the House of Commons today despite fears from some quarters that it could mean people may die unnecessarily.
Some opposed to the ruling are warning, that the bill was 'rushed through' and could negatively affect the disabled, domestic abuse victims and people with eating disorders like anorexia.
Encouraging someone to take their own life, or helping someone to do it, is against the law in the UK and carries a jail term of up to 14 years. Dignity in Dying campaigners in support of the assisted dying Bill celebrate in Westminster, central London, after the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was passed in the House of Commons. Pic: Lucy North/PA Wire
The laws as they stand in the UK have come in for fierce criticism from supporters of assisted dying, who describe the current laws as 'not being fit for purpose.
The organisation 'Humanists UK' who have long campaigned for the right to choose, said in a statement this afternoon 'The House of Commons has taken an historic step towards meeting the aspirations of the public, who overwhelmingly support having choice, dignity, and compassion at the end of their lives. We welcome this and now look forward to working with Lords on the legislation.
'MPs have finally recognised the fact that assisted dying is already happening in this country. People are travelling to Switzerland if they have the money and mobility to do so. Others are dying in traumatic circumstances by suicide. Many more are suffering greatly, even while receiving the best possible care. Today, we are a significant step closer to ending that unnecessary and cruel suffering and MPs should be commended for taking this step.'
