Change in the law was approved with 330 votes in favor in the case of terminally ill adults; on the other hand, 275 parliamentarians voted against
The Parliament of made a significant decision by voting to decriminalize assisted suicide for adults facing terminal illnesses. The proposal was approved with 330 votes in favor and 275 against, and will now undergo analysis in House of Commons committees before being forwarded to the House of Lords. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his support for the measure during the vote.
If the proposal is approved, it will allow individuals over the age of 18, who maintain their mental capabilities and have a life prognosis of up to six months, to opt for assisted suicide. This will include the administration of a lethal medication that can be self-administered. The new legislation, if implemented, will cover both England and Wales.
Currently, British legislation considers aiding suicide as a crime, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. The practice of euthanasia is punishable by life imprisonment. The vote generated divisions among parliamentarians, with some members of Starmer’s government taking a stand against the proposal. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in turn, spoke out in favor, arguing that the measure could alleviate the suffering of many.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his opposition to the proposal because of the mother. On the other hand, supporters of the proposal guarantee that there are protection mechanisms to avoid this situation, such as the requirement that the decision be confirmed by two doctors, with a minimum interval of 14 days between evaluations.
*Report produced with the help of AI
Posted by Victor Oliveira
