UK Parliament to Vote on Assisted Dying Bill

As the UK Parliament prepares to vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill this Friday, significant opposition has emerged from multiple former prime ministers, including Boris Johnson, Theresa May, and Liz Truss, who argue that the bill undermines the state’s role in protecting life. The proposed legislation aims to legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, but critics, including Gordon Brown, argue for a focus on enhancing palliative care instead. The bill includes safeguards intended to prevent abuse, but many, including members of the Catholic Medical Association, warn that it could fundamentally alter the doctor-patient relationship and lead to vulnerable individuals feeling pressured. Legal experts have also expressed concerns that the bill lacks adequate protections and might conflict with the European Convention on Human Rights. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has remained neutral on the legislation, while the government has allowed MPs a free vote, further complicating the political landscape surrounding the issue. The outcome of Friday's vote remains uncertain, as both proponents and opponents mobilize their positions.