LONDON − A proposed law allowing assisted dying received support from Britain’s parliament on Friday, initiating a lengthy debate on potential legal reforms that could redefine conversations around dignity in dying and end-of-life care.

In an initial vote, 330 members of parliament approved the “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)” bill, while 275 voted against it. The legislation would enable mentally competent adults in England and Wales, deemed by doctors to have six months or less to live, to choose to end their lives with medical assistance.

This marks a historic move towards legal change, aligning Britain with countries like Australia, Canada, and certain U.S. states in what might represent one of the most significant social reforms in recent times.

Nonetheless, the bill is subject to revisions and potential rejection as it proceeds through both the House of Commons and the unelected House of Lords.

“The process will be thorough,” Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP who proposed the bill, remarked to the BBC, suggesting it might require another six months to fully progress.

“We have ample time to finalize the details,” she stated after a lengthy and often emotional debate lasting over four hours.

Proponents of the bill argue it prioritizes the autonomy of terminally ill individuals, allowing them to shorten their suffering.

Contrarily, critics warn that vulnerable individuals might feel pressured to choose death out of concern for being a burden to their loved ones and society, overshadowing their own needs.

Others voiced concerns that there wasn’t enough time for comprehensive consideration of the bill before the vote, stressing that safeguards implemented in regions that have already approved assisted dying were not sufficiently robust.

“We can still improve this if necessary, but if not, I hope we can ultimately reject it,” Conservative MP Danny Kruger, a notable opponent, told Sky News, asserting that “it’s impossible to draft a safe bill.”

Leadbeater pledged that the bill would include the most stringent protective measures globally. As proposed, two doctors and a High Court judge would need to confirm that the individual made their decision willingly. Any coercion or pressure to induce someone to end their life could result in a prison term of up to 14 years.

Intense Discussion Surrounding Assisted Dying Legislation

The bill has ignited a widespread debate across Britain, involving former prime ministers, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, judges, and figures from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government joining the conversation.

Starmer supported the bill, though several key members of his government voted against it. Surveys indicate that a majority of the British population favors legalizing assisted dying.

Foreign Minister David Lammy declared his opposition to the bill, expressing that politics should focus on “extending life, not shortening it,” while former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who led the Conservatives in a prior election, endorsed the bill for its potential to alleviate suffering.

This legislation would primarily impact England and Wales, while Scotland is deliberating its own legislative changes regarding assisted dying, with no proposals for Northern Ireland at this time.

Supporters of assisted dying watched the vote unfold outside parliament, gathering in groups with their mobile devices. Upon the vote’s announcement, some embraced, celebrated, or wept.

“I’m beyond thrilled, but naturally very emotional,” shared Liz Reed, 38, through tears. “I hope this signifies that even from a tragic situation, something positive can emerge.”

Leadbeater expressed her appreciation for the passionate yet respectful nature of the discussions, even from critics of her proposal.

“It’s deeply emotional for many,” she reflected. “I’m simply grateful we could represent those affected during today’s dialogue.”