Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: Global Issues, Issue: UK Parliament Passes Assisted Dying Bill.
Context:
The recent vote in the UK Parliament regarding the “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)” bill, which aims to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.
Key Takeaways:
Key Highlights of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Eligibility criteria:
- The bill permits assisted dying under strict and clearly defined conditions Individuals must be 18 years or older.
- Must be resident in England or Wales and registered with a General Practitioner (GP) for at least 12 months.
- Must have a terminal illness with an expected life expectancy of six months or less. Must possess the mental capacity to make an informed decision.
- Must make two formal, witnessed declarations expressing their wish to die.
- Evaluations are to be done by two independent doctors at least seven days apart.
- Procedure: After approval, there is a 14-day waiting period.
- A doctor would prepare the life-ending substance, but the individual must self-administer it.
- It will be a criminal offence to coerce or pressure someone into assisted dying, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
- Government Stance: The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adopted a neutral stance on the legislation, allowing individual politicians to vote based on their personal beliefs. Starmer himself voted in favor of the bill.
- Arguments for and Against: Supporters argue the law provides compassion, dignity, and control to the terminally ill.
- Opponents raise concerns that vulnerable individuals, including the elderly or disabled, might feel coerced or pressured into choosing death.
- Public Support: Opinion polls consistently show a majority of British people support the right to assisted dying under controlled conditions.
- Â International Context: If the bill becomes law, Britain will join countries like Canada, Australia, and several U.S. states in permitting assisted dying under legal safeguards.
Conclusion:
- The debate highlights the complex balance between compassion, autonomy, and protection of the vulnerable, making this one of the most ethically significant legal changes in recent times.
https://indianexpress.com/article/world/uk-mp-approve-assisted-dying-bill-landmark-vote-10078612
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