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Washington Post
an hour ago
- Health
- Washington Post
U.K. lawmakers approve assisted-dying law
LONDON — British lawmakers voted Friday to legalize assisted dying — a final step in the House of Commons that means the practice will almost certainly be permitted in England and Wales in the coming years, marking a pivotal societal change. Lawmakers voted 314 to 291 for legalization following an impassioned, four-hour debate. Modeled on a law in Oregon, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will allow terminally ill people to choose to die. Those with less than six months to live will be permitted to seek lethal medication from the National Health Service, subject to approval of two doctors and a panel of experts.
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
British MPs begin crunch debate on assisted dying
British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make. The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence. As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge. When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275. Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. "Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said. "And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories." Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society". Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service". The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy. There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make. The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence. As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge. When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275. Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. "Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said. "And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories." Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society". Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service". The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy. There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make. The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence. As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge. When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275. Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. "Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said. "And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories." Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society". Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service". The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy. There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make. The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence. As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge. When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275. Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. "Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said. "And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories." Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society". Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service". The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy. There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Health
- Perth Now
British MPs begin crunch debate on assisted dying
British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make. The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence. As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge. When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275. Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. "Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said. "And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories." Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society". Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service". The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy. There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Boston Globe
5 hours ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
UK lawmakers begin crunch debate on allowing terminally ill adults to end their lives
Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinized, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through Parliament by Labour lawmaker Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. Advertisement Divisive issue In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. 'Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo,' she said. 'And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories.' Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Advertisement Passions were running high outside of Parliament where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase 'Campaign for Dignity in Dying,' while opponents held up banners urging lawmakers not to make the state-run National Health Service the 'National Suicide Service.' The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalized in 1967. What lawmakers are voting on The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents of the bill say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. How the vote may go The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some lawmakers who backed the bill in the fall only did so on the proviso that there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill then have voiced disappointment at the changes, while others have indicated Parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. The vote is a free one, meaning lawmakers vote according to their conscience rather than on party lines. Alliances have formed across the political divide. If 28 members switched directly from backing the bill to opposing it, while others voted exactly the same way, the legislation would fail. Timeline if the bill passes Friday's vote isn't the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the unelected House of Lords, which has the power to delay and amend policy, though it can't overrule the lower chamber. Advertisement Since assisted dying wasn't in the governing Labour Party's election manifesto last year, the House of Lords has more room to maneuver. Any amendments would then go back to the House of Commons. If the bill is passed, backers say implementation will take four years, rather than the initially suggested two. That means it could become law in 2029, around the time that the next general election must be held. Changes to the bill Plenty of revisions have been made to the measure, but not enough for some. Perhaps the most important change was to drop the requirement that a judge sign off on any decision. Many in the legal profession had objected. Now any request would be subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. Changes also were made to ensure the establishment of independent advocates to support people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health conditions and the creation of a disability advisory board. It was already the case that doctors wouldn't be required to take part, but lawmakers have since voted to insert a new clause into the bill extending the provision to anyone. The wording means 'no person,' including social care workers and pharmacists, is obliged to take part in assisted dying and can therefore opt out. Government stance There is clearly no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday. His health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he will respect the outcome. Advertisement There are also questions about how it would impact the NHS, hospice care and the legal system. Nations where assisted dying is legal Other countries that have legalized assisted suicide include Australia, Belgium, Canada and parts of the United States, with regulations on who is eligible varying by jurisdiction. Assisted suicide is different from euthanasia, allowed in the Netherlands and Canada, which involves health care practitioners administering a lethal injection at the patient's request in specific circumstances.
AsiaOne
14 hours ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
British lawmakers to vote on landmark assisted dying law, World News
LONDON — British lawmakers will vote on Friday (June 20) on whether to proceed with a bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people, in what would be the biggest social reform in the country for a generation. Last November, lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in favour of the principle of allowing assisted dying, paving the way for Britain to follow Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as some US states. Now, after months of scrutiny, amendment and emotional debate, the bill must clear another stage of voting to keep it on the road to legalisation, a process that could still take months. A vote against would stop it in its tracks. The Labour lawmaker who has proposed the new law, Kim Leadbeater, said there could be a reduction in the number of members of parliament who support the bill on Friday, but she was confident it would still be approved. One member of parliament who supports the legislation said there were about a dozen votes between those in favour and against, with a number yet to declare their position. Dozens of lawmakers earlier in June signed a letter to the leader of the House of Commons saying that there had not been enough time to debate the details of such a consequential law change. Leadbeater said her biggest fear was that if the legislation was voted down, then it could be another decade before the issue returns to parliament. The issue was last considered in 2015 when lawmakers voted against it. "It works and it is safe, and it provides dignity to terminally ill people," she told reporters before the vote. "This is not an either or when it comes to palliative care or assisted dying. It is about choice for people." Public support Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying, and supporters say the law needs to catch up with public opinion. But, since the initial vote, some lawmakers say they are worried the bill's protections against the coercion of vulnerable people have been weakened. Under the proposed law, mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or fewer to live would be given the right to end their lives with medical help. In the original plan, an assisted death would have required court approval. That has been replaced by a requirement for a judgement by a panel including a social worker, a senior legal figure and a psychiatrist. Lawmakers have also raised questions about the impact of assisted dying on the finances and resources of Britain's state-run National Health Service and the need to improve palliative care. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government is neutral on the bill, meaning politicians can vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Lawmakers will hold a final debate on the legislation on Friday morning before a likely vote in the afternoon. If it passes, the legislation will be sent to the House of Lords, parliament's upper chamber, for further scrutiny. [[nid:718468]]
