For some terminally ill adults in the United Kingdom, the right to choose how and when they die may soon become a legal option. Lawmakers in Parliament took a significant step on Friday, June 20, and voted to advance a bill that would allow assisted dying in England and Wales under strict conditions.
The bill’s momentum reflects growing public support and emotional appeals from terminally ill patients and families who say they want the legal right to choose how and when they die. The measure has opposition from thousands of doctors who think assisted suicide crosses a line that no medical professional should.
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Lawmakers pass ‘assisted suicide’ bill
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) bill passed its final reading in the House of Commons on a narrow 314-291 vote, clearing a major hurdle in its path to becoming law.
Similar proposals have been brought before Parliament in the past but were repeatedly voted down or stalled before reaching a final reading. Supporters said this bill includes more robust safeguards and clearer eligibility criteria than earlier versions, which helped build broader political support, including from some lawmakers changing their stance.
Under the proposed law, sponsored by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, terminally ill adults in England and Wales could request medical assistance to end their lives, but it comes with restrictions. Eligible individuals must be over 18, mentally competent, residents for at least a year and diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to result in their death within six months.
The process involves safeguards, including medical assessments by two independent doctors, proof of a voluntary and informed decision and oversight by a newly created Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner. Patients also have what’s called a “reflection period,” where a medical professional cannot participate. The goal, lawmakers said, is to offer choice while preventing abuse or coercion.
If all conditions are met, the coordinating doctor would then hand the medication to the patient in person and explain that they don’t have to go through with it. The patient must take the final step themselves — no one else can do it on their behalf. The doctor stays nearby to offer support and ensure everything is done safely.
No medical professional is required to participate, and the law protects those who do from legal consequences, provided they act in good faith.
Introduced in November 2024, the bill sparked months of debate and underwent numerous revisions. There were 444 submissions of written evidence considered, including from doctors, lawmakers and professors.
Thousands of health professionals disagree with bill
A group of more than 5,300 health care workers across the U.K. is pushing back against the new proposal. The campaign, called Our Duty of Care, includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals. They say allowing doctors to help end a patient’s life crosses a dangerous line.
Our Duty of Care highlights that the fear of being a burden can pressure vulnerable people to consider ending their lives. According to a 2020 report from the Oregon Health Authority cited by the group, 53% of those who chose assisted suicide mentioned this fear as a factor in their decision.
Instead of changing the law, the group wants more focus on palliative care and mental health support for people near the end of life. Members come from many backgrounds and beliefs, but they share the view that helping someone die is not something doctors should do.
The British Geriatrics Society and the Association for Palliative Medicine have publicly stated they do not support legalizing assisted dying, citing risks to vulnerable patients. The British Medical Association, once opposed, has adopted a neutral stance.
What about the support?
A major supporter of changing the law, Dignity in Dying, called Friday’s vote a historic turning point for assisted dying in the U.K. The group said hundreds of people turned out to show their support, sending a clear message that the public wants the bill to pass and wants the choice it would offer at the end of life.
“Today’s vote is a landmark moment for choice, compassion and dignity at the end of life. MPs have listened to dying people, to bereaved families and to the public, and have voted decisively for the reform that our country needs and deserves,” Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of the campaign, said in a statement.
The organization cited YouGov research, which shows 72% of Britons polled supported the legislation.
What happens next?
The bill now moves to the House of Lords, where it may be amended, delayed or further debated before becoming law. If the bill becomes law, it’s expected to take effect in 2029. The U.K. would then join countries like Canada, Australia, Belgium and several American states where the practice is already legal.
This legislation does not apply to Northern Ireland and Scotland, as their respective lawmakers are handling the issue independently.
