UK Parliament Prepares for First Assisted Dying Debate in a Decade
A new bill proposing to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults is set to be introduced, sparking widespread debate and mixed public opinion.
- Labour MP Kim Leadbeater is set to introduce a private member's bill to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill patients expected to die within 12 months.
- Polling indicates that nearly two-thirds of people in England and Wales support legalizing assisted dying within the next five years, though concerns about potential coercion remain.
- The proposed legislation requires approval from two doctors and possibly a High Court judge, with provisions for conscientious objection by medical professionals.
- Religious leaders, including the Archbishop of Westminster, have urged opposition, citing moral concerns and the risk of a 'slippery slope' in medical ethics.
- The UK government remains neutral on the issue, allowing MPs a free vote on November 29, highlighting the complex moral landscape surrounding the bill.