A majority of British MPs have backed proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales in a historic vote which paves the way for a change in the UK law.
The bill, officially called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, passed the first stage of the legislative process by a vote of 330-275.
MPs were given a conscience vote rather than having to toe a party line.
Under the bill, mentally competent, terminally ill adults who are assessed by doctors to have six months or less left to live would be allowed the right to choose to end their lives with medical help.
Those in favour of the bill said it is about shortening the death of those who are terminally ill and giving them more control.
Opponents claimed vulnerable ill people may feel pressured to end their lives for fear of being a burden to their families and society.
They also argued the focus should be on improving end-of-life care.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who put forward the bill, insisted it included “the most robust and strongest set of safeguards and protections in the world.”
To be eligible for assisted dying under the proposed laws, someone must have the mental capacity to make a choice about ending their life and express a “clear, settled and informed” wish, free from coercion or pressure, at every stage of the process.
Two independent doctors and a High Court judge must be satisfied applicants are eligible and have made their decision voluntarily.
The Christian Institute claimed that after further research, supporters of the “dangerous and divisive” laws will find the promised safeguards are nothing more than a mirage.
Christian MP Danny Kruger said the proposal amounted to a “state suicide service.”
Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, observed: “This is the biggest proposed change to our social fabric in a generation.”
Ross Hendry, CEO of Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) commented: “This is deeply troubling for vulnerable and marginalised people who are fearful of a change in the law.”
The Bishop of London, Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, called for a greater focus on palliative care.
As lead bishop for healthcare, she stated: “The Church of England believes that the compassionate response at the end of life lies in the provision of high quality palliative care services to all who need them.”
Current laws across the UK prevent people from asking for medical help to die.
The bill will now face many more months of debate and scrutiny by MPs and peers in the House of Lords, who could choose to amend it.
It needs the approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
The government has taken a neutral stance on the bill and has said it will work to ensure it is effective, if Parliament backs a change in the law.
Cabinet ministers are divided over the issue, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood — the two ministers who would have overall responsibility for implementing any change in the law — voting against it.
A similar bill is expected to be voted on in the Scotland Parliament next year.
Polls suggest a majority of Britons support assisted dying.
