The House of Commons of the British Parliament has supported a bill that provides for the legalization of assisted death (euthanasia), which could become one of the most significant social changes in the country in recent decades. 314 deputies voted for the document, 291 voted against it informs Reuters.
The draft law entitled “On terminally ill adults (end of life)” envisages granting the right to terminally ill adult citizens of England and Wales, who have a life expectancy of up to six months, to independently make decisions about the end of life with the support of doctors.
There were emotional discussions around this issue. Supporters of the law believe that the possibility to voluntarily die with medical assistance is a manifestation of dignity and mercy to the suffering. Opponents expressed concern that people who are in a difficult situation may be forced to make such a decision or consider themselves a burden to their loved ones.
Public opinion polls show that the majority of the UK population supports the idea of assisted dying. After approval in the House of Commons, the document will be sent to the House of Lords, which is likely to support it as well.
Similar legislation is already in place in Australia, Canada, Spain and several American states. In France, on May 27, the parliament in the first reading also approved a draft law on the legalization of assisted death.
