The British Parliament has voted in favor of a bill that would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to request help to end their lives. The bill, if passed, would make assisted suicide legal in the UK for mentally competent adults with less than six months to live. The current law in Britain prohibits assisted suicide and carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years. The bill has sparked emotional debates and drawn comments from politicians, religious leaders, judges, and doctors. Supporters believe it will provide dignity to those suffering from terminal illnesses, while opponents fear it could put vulnerable people at risk and lead to pressure to end their lives. The bill has broad public support, with a recent poll showing 73% approval. Former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss have opposed the bill, while former Prime Minister David Cameron has expressed support. The bill includes safeguards such as requiring approval from two independent doctors and a judge before a patient can end their life. The outcome of the final vote remains uncertain, as many members of parliament have expressed ambivalence on the issue.
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Britain discusses new law on assisted dying
