Key facts
- MPs voted against a bill to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales.
- The vote was 286 against and 270 in favor.
- The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would have allowed terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to apply for assisted death.
- Critics argued the bill included insufficient safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from coercion.
- Supporters of the bill stated that thousands of terminally ill people will continue to suffer against their wishes.
Members of Parliament in the UK have voted against a bill that would have legalized assisted dying in England and Wales. The House of Commons rejected the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill by a vote of 286 to 270, a majority of 16. The bill would have allowed adults with less than six months to live to apply for assisted death, subject to approval from two doctors and an expert panel. Critics raised concerns about insufficient safeguards for vulnerable individuals, while proponents argued that thousands of terminally ill people suffer against their wishes. The decision halts the immediate prospect of legal changes to assisted dying in the UK, though further attempts may be made in future parliamentary sessions. Dame Esther Rantzen expressed sadness that the law would not change soon enough for many, while Labour MP Lauren Edwards, who tabled the bill, stated Parliament had "dropped the ball." Opposing MPs welcomed the decision, emphasizing the need to improve palliative care before considering assisted dying.