A new bill to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales was introduced in the UK Parliament on Wednesday, setting off a wave of discussions both within and outside the legislative body. The Terminally Adults (End of Life) Bill, sponsored by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, proposes allowing terminally ill patients with six to 12 months to live the option of ending their lives on their own terms.
The bill has ignited concerns from senior church leaders and opponents, who fear it could have broader societal implications. If passed, the bill would require approval from two doctors and a judge before a patient’s wish to die could be granted. Legislators are expected to cast their votes on the bill freely, based on their personal conscience rather than party lines.
The last time a similar bill was debated in Parliament was in 2015, where it was defeated. Currently, assisted suicide remains illegal in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. However, in Scotland, it is not explicitly criminal but may open individuals to charges like murder.
Proponents of the bill argue that the shift in public opinion and the experiences of families dealing with painful deaths highlight the need for a change in the law. Leadbeater stated, “The law needs to change, having met families who have experienced painful, undignified deaths or resorted to seeking assistance abroad.”
