UK Parliament Advances Assisted Dying Bill in Historic Vote

MPs voted 330 to 275 to move the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill forward, but the proposal faces significant scrutiny and debate over safeguards, palliative care, and implementation challenges.

The Assisted Dying Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, passed its second reading in the House of Commons by a majority of 55 votes, marking a significant step toward legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.
The bill proposes allowing terminally ill patients with a prognosis of six months or less to seek medically assisted death, requiring approval from two doctors and a High Court judge.
Concerns remain over the adequacy of safeguards, with critics warning of potential risks to vulnerable individuals and gaps in palliative care services that could pressure patients into choosing assisted death.
MPs and charities have called for improved funding and access to end-of-life care, with some advocating for amendments to the bill to address the UK's existing palliative care shortcomings.
The legislation now moves to the committee stage for detailed scrutiny, where MPs can propose changes, though its final passage into law will require approval from both the Commons and the Lords.