MPs in England and Wales have voted in favour of a bill that would allow elderly patients with six months or less life expectancy to be legally assisted in ending their lives.
A similar bill to legalise assisted dying was introduced in 2015 but was defeated. However, after more than five hours of debate, it was passed this time. The bill received 330 votes in favour and 275 against. Foreign media reported that some MPs were crying during the debate.
According to the new bill, two doctors and a High Court judge must agree on the decision for an assisted death. Accordingly, in a situation where such agreement exists, a terminally ill adult with six months or less life expectancy can receive medical assistance to end their life.
The majority of MPs have said that the bill will need to undergo serious amendments before it becomes law, and that if those amendments are not made, they will not support it at the third reading.