By Donna Williams •
Updated: 29 Nov 2024 • 16:21 • 1 minute read
At present, both euthanasia and assisted suicide (also known as assisted dying) are illegal in the UK, but that is one step closer to changing following a parliamentary vote on an Assisted Dying Bill that was taken today, Friday November 29.
This proposal was to enable a fresh debate to be held on assisted dying which came after MPs rejected a Bill on the issue back in 2015. It would seem that time has, in fact, changed the UK Government’s opinion on this important but sensitive matter. Today, the vote went in favour of the Bill with 330 MPs voting for it, and 275 in opposition, representing a sizeable majority and a clear mind shift.
Dame Esther Rantzen in favour of Assisted Dying law changing in UK
No doubt Dame Esther Rantzen will be thrilled with this outcome as she has been championing for a change in the law for some time, having been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last year. Fearing that a change would not happen in the UK, she took the decision to join Dignitas, the assisted dying clinic in Switzerland.
However, even though this will permit her to die on ‘her terms’, as things currently stand, she would still take that final step without having her loved ones by her side.
The Assisted Dying Bill moves to the committee stage
Now that the Bill has been approved, it will move to the committee stage, where MPs can propose additional amendments. This is likely to be a rigorous process with further lengthy debate and discussion, not least on account of the contentiousness of the topic and the significant impact it has the potential to have on the UK.
Perhaps, it may even influence other countries to consider having a similar discussion and debate too. In reality, it is unlikely that any changes to the law relating to assisted dying would be agreed upon and finalised until next year at the earliest.
In the meantime, for those like Esther Rantzen who have been pushing for the law to be changed, today must be seen as a victory and a very big step in the right direction.
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