On Friday, UK MPs will discuss and probably vote on whether to move forward with contentious and emotional legislation that would permit assisted suicide for terminally ill individuals in England and Wales.
Although a euthanasia measure was last discussed and defeated by Parliament in 2015, public opinion has subsequently changed in favour of allowing terminally ill individuals to take their own lives.
According to two surveys conducted last week, the majority of Britons support amending the law, which would allow England and Wales to follow the lead of numerous European and other nations.
Supporters say allowing assisted suicide would make some deaths more dignified and less painful.
Faith leaders, however, are among the fiercest opponents; this weekend, around thirty of them signed a joint letter stating that they are “deeply concerned” by the plans.
Some claim the healthcare system is not prepared for such a significant shift, while others argue it could cause some individuals to feel pressured to take their own lives.
In England and Wales, the measure would permit assisted suicide for persons with terminal illnesses who have less than six months to live and who are capable of taking the drug that kills them.
A judge and two doctors would need to approve any patient’s request to pass away.
The regulations are more stringent than those governing assisted suicide in other European nations and the proposed legislation that France is now considering.
Beginning at 9:30 am (0930 GMT), members of parliament will discuss the proposed legislation, which was presented by a Labour legislator as a “private members’ bill” that is not on the government’s agenda.
At most, the argument will continue until 2:30 pm.
Although very likely, a vote to move the bill to the next legislative stage is not assured.
