UK Parliament to Debate Assisted Dying Bill

A proposed assisted dying bill in England and Wales, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, aims to allow terminally ill adults the right to end their lives with medical assistance. This legislation has sparked intense debate, with supporters arguing it reflects changing public opinion and compassion for those in unbearable suffering. Polls indicate that up to 74% of the public supports assisted dying under certain conditions, yet concerns persist over potential pressure on vulnerable individuals to choose death. Opponents, including Archbishop Justin Welby, warn of a 'slippery slope' where the right to die could become a duty, expressing fears about the implications for society's most vulnerable. They advocate for more robust safeguards to ensure the protection of those who might feel coerced into assisted dying. The debate will culminate in a parliamentary vote, marking the first such discussion in nearly a decade.