Overview

• On June 20, the Commons backed the assisted dying measure with 314 votes in favor and 291 against after months of debate and amendments.
• Under the bill, adults with a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of six months or less can request a lethal dose prepared by doctors and self-administer the medication under supervision.
• Approval requires sign-off from two independent physicians and a panel including a psychiatrist, social worker and legal expert, replacing the previous requirement for a magistrate’s permission.
• Opponents warn the law offers insufficient protection against coercion of vulnerable patients and argue it should be accompanied by stronger palliative care investment.
• The legislation now moves to the House of Lords for detailed scrutiny, where peers can propose amendments but are unlikely to block its enactment.