In a landmark decision, Britain’s parliament has voted in favour of legalising assisted dying, setting the country on a path toward one of its most significant social changes in decades. Lawmakers passed the “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)” bill with 314 votes in favour and 291 against, granting terminally ill, mentally competent adults with less than six months to live the right to end their lives with medical assistance.
Baroness Jane Campbell attends a protest against the assisted dying law for terminally ill people, on the day British lawmakers are preparing to vote on the bill, in London, Britain, June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
The bill applies to England and Wales, and now heads to the House of Lords for further scrutiny, though the unelected chamber is unlikely to block legislation backed by elected officials. The vote comes a decade after parliament last rejected assisted dying and follows widespread public support and emotional debate in recent months.
Public and Political Divides
The vote followed months of heated debate and public campaigning, with supporters citing dignity and compassion for the suffering, while critics raised concerns about coercion and weakened safeguards.
Supporters of the assisted dying law for terminally ill people hold a banner, on the day British lawmakers are preparing to vote on the bill, in London, Britain, June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Initial plans had required court approval for an assisted death, but this has been replaced with decisions made by a panel of a social worker, a senior legal figure, and a psychiatrist, a move opponents say reduces oversight.
Global Context: Where Assisted Dying is Legal
A demonstrator holds signs during a protest against the assisted dying law for terminally ill people, on the day British lawmakers are preparing to vote on the bill, in London, Britain, June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
As reported by Reuters, Britain is poised to join a growing number of countries and jurisdictions where assisted dying is legal in specific circumstances:
- Switzerland: Legal since 1942, provided the motive is not selfish. Swiss organizations like Dignitas also support foreign nationals.
- United States: Permitted in 10 states and Washington D.C., including Oregon—the first to legalize it in 1997.
- Netherlands: Legal since 2002 for patients experiencing “unbearable suffering.” Minors can request euthanasia from age 12, with parental consent required until 16.
- Belgium: Legal since 2002 for terminal and psychiatric patients. In 2014, the law was extended to include terminally ill minors with parental consent.
- Canada: Legal since 2016 for those with foreseeable death, expanded in 2021 to include people with irremediable conditions.
- Australia: Voluntary assisted dying is legal in most states, beginning in Victoria in 2019.
- Spain: Approved in 2021 for those with incurable or debilitating conditions.
- Germany: A 2020 court ruling reinstated the right to assisted dying, but new national legislation is pending.
- France: In 2025, lawmakers voted to allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with a lethal substance. The law is pending Senate approval and may come into effect by 2027.
- Ireland: A parliamentary committee has recommended legalization under strict conditions. Lawmakers are now considering legislative changes.
A Turning Point in End-of-Life Rights
Supporters of the UK legislation gathered outside parliament chanting, “My decision, my choice,” holding pictures of loved ones who died in pain. Opponents held placards reading “Let’s care, not kill” and “Kill the bill, not the ill,” warning of the risks to vulnerable individuals.
A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest against the assisted dying law for terminally ill people, on the day British lawmakers are preparing to vote on the bill, in London, Britain, June 20, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Despite differing views, Labor MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill, insisted that it includes some of the strongest protections against coercion globally.
If the bill clears the House of Lords, England and Wales will join a global trend of countries recognizing the rights of terminally ill patients to choose how and when they die—with dignity, autonomy, and compassion at the center of the debate.
