British lawmakers will debate a historic and contentious bill on Friday that could pave the way for legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill individuals in the UK.
The move marks a significant shift since the last parliamentary debate on euthanasia in 2015, which ended in defeat, as public support for the issue has surged in recent years.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who pledged to revisit the matter before taking office in July, has allowed the debate to proceed despite opposition from religious leaders and critics concerned about potential risks of legal reform. Assisted suicide is currently illegal in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. In Scotland, while not explicitly a criminal offence, it can result in charges such as murder.
Stricter Provisions in New Bill
The proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would permit assisted suicide in England and Wales for adults diagnosed with an incurable illness and a life expectancy of fewer than six months. Patients must independently administer the substance causing their death, with prior approval from two doctors and a judge.
The bill’s measures are stricter than assisted dying laws in other European nations and those under consideration in France. Supporters argue it would provide dignity and choice to terminally ill patients, while critics warn it could pressure vulnerable individuals into ending their lives.
Public Opinion and Advocacy
A recent YouGov survey found that 73% of Britons support the principle of assisted dying, with only 13% opposed. High-profile campaigns, such as one led by UK TV personality Esther Rantzen, who has incurable lung cancer, have fueled momentum. Rantzen has publicly stated she is contemplating traveling to Switzerland, where assisted suicide is legal.
The Swiss organization Dignitas claims it has assisted 540 Britons over the past two decades. Advocates argue that British citizens should not have to leave the country to exercise this choice. “It would give dying people a proper choice over how they die,” said Sarah Wootton, CEO of Dignity in Dying, which has organized demonstrations in support of the bill.
Divided Political and Religious Views
The debate has highlighted deep divisions among lawmakers, religious leaders, and the medical community. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and 29 religious leaders from various faiths issued a joint statement warning that a “right to die” could evolve into a “duty to die” for vulnerable individuals.
Meanwhile, the British Medical Association, previously opposed to assisted dying, has adopted a neutral stance. However, the health and justice secretaries remain against the reform, even as some ministers voice support.
A Pivotal Debate
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill, insists the time has come for a renewed conversation on assisted dying. Critics, however, accuse proponents of rushing the process.
Lawmakers will debate the bill for approximately five hours on Friday, with a free vote allowing MPs to act on their conscience rather than follow party lines. The outcome remains uncertain. While Starmer supported assisted dying in 2015, he has not taken a public stance this time.
If passed, the bill would mark only the start of a lengthy legislative process. Parallel efforts to change the law are underway in Scotland, as well as the Isle of Man and Jersey, self-governing British Crown Dependencies.
