The UK may soon legalize assisted dying, with a parliamentary debate and vote on a proposed law for terminally ill adults scheduled for November 29. The draft law, known as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, was published on November 11.
It proposes that adults with less than six months to live could request assistance to end their lives, subject to certain safeguards and protections. Opponents of the bill worry it may pressure vulnerable individuals, but the bill’s sponsor, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, assures that it includes strict safeguards, such as reviews by two doctors and approval from a High Court judge.
Under the legislation, only those over 18 with the capacity to make decisions could apply for assisted dying, requiring two signed declarations with witnesses.
If the bill passes the first reading, it will face further debate and votes in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, with any potential implementation at least two to three years away. Assisted dying is currently banned in most parts of the UK. In Europe, euthanasia is legal in five countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and Spain.
