Saturday 30/November/2024 – 11:21 AM
The British Parliament announced its initial approval of a draft law death With the help of others, in a move that sparked widespread controversy and a national dialogue about dignity in death and end-of-life care.
According to what was published by Reuters, the initial vote saw strong support from 330 MPs against 275 opponents, giving terminally ill adult individuals in England and Wales the right to choose to end their lives with medical assistance, provided that they have less than 6 months to live according to doctors’ assessment.
Social reform.. Britain legislates the law on assisted dying
Officials confirmed that this project, which is considered one of the most controversial social reforms in Britain in decades, puts the country on a path similar to countries such as Australia, Canada and some American states. However, the draft law still faces additional legislative stages in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, which may lead to… to possible modifications.
For her part, Kim Leadbeater, the Labor MP and the sponsor of the project, said: It will be a very comprehensive process and may take another 6 months to complete it properly. While supporters welcome the law as it gives patients greater control over their lives, opponents have expressed concerns that vulnerable patients will be exploited or pressured to end their lives. To avoid being a burden on their families.
On the other hand, Conservative MP Danny Krueger pointed to concerns related to guarantees, stressing the need to improve the project before the final vote on it, saying: I believe that it is impossible to formulate a completely safe law.
The project sparked a national debate involving political leaders, religious leaders and doctors, amid significant public support. According to opinion polls, Prime Minister Keir Starmer voted in favor of the project, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy opposed it, arguing that policy should focus on “prolonging life, not shortening it.”
Human reactions
Outside Parliament, supporters of the project gathered to follow the vote, with some expressing their joy at the result. Liz Reid, one of the supporters, said: I am very happy, and I hope that something positive will come out of this painful experience.
With Parliament’s approval of this historic step, discussion continues over the legislative details, amid hopes for a radical change in the rights of patients with incurable diseases.
