UK Parliament Approves Assisted Dying Bill

The UK Parliament has approved the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill by a narrow margin of 314 to 291, enabling mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with under six months to live to choose medically assisted death.

The legislation replaces judicial oversight with a multidisciplinary panel of a lawyer, psychiatrist, and social worker to ensure rigorous safeguards, and now moves to the House of Lords before possibly becoming law by 2029.

Supporters emphasize dignity and relief from suffering, while opponents warn of risks to vulnerable individuals and the adequacy of palliative care provisions.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer voted in favor and public polls show majority backing for the measure.