Assisted Dying Legalized by UK Parliament

Order Goes into effect in England and Wales

The UK Parliament has legalized assisted dying in the UK following a landmark parliamentary decision.

Members of Parliament on Friday voted by a margin of 55 to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales. By this order, the sickly and older people in England and Wales are entitled to be put out of their misery by others if it is the wish of the older person and sickly in question.

This is coming after pressure from UK citizens who called for the legalization of the practice but with strict regulations. An opinion poll earlier conducted revealed that 75% of UK residents were on board with assisted dying but with regulations.

The Assisted Dying Bill Passed Into Law

Under the assisted dying bill signed into law by the UK government, only adults (18+) with mental capacity and a terminal illness expected to result in death within six months can qualify. Such individuals must, however, voluntarily request assisted dying and demonstrate a clear, informed, and consistent desire to proceed.

There is the need for two independent doctors to confirm the patient’s eligibility and ensure the decision is free from coercion, while a High Court judge must also review the application to confirm compliance with the law, offering an additional layer of oversight.

After confirmation by the court, a 14-day period is required for reflection by the applicants, while in a near-death case, the reflection period is reduced to 48 hours.

When the decision for assisted death has been taken, the patient must self-administer the drug in the presence of medical professionals who have no right to administer the drug themselves.

What Next?

The bill is still expected to go to committee stage, where MPs can table amendments, before facing further scrutiny and votes in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, meaning any change in the law would not be agreed to until next year at the earliest.

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