On Friday, Britain’s Parliament voted in favour of a bill to legalise assisted dying, initiating one of the country’s biggest social changes. The legislation, called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life), was passed by a vote of 314–291 and will give mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less left to live the right to choose to end their lives with medical assistance.

The bill now proceeds to Britain’s upper chamber, the House of Lords. There can be further amendments at this stage, but any major change is less likely to occur as the bill undergoes months of scrutiny in the House of Lords.

World Laws of Assisted Dying

This legislation follows Australia, Canada, and other countries, including some states in the US that permit assisted dying. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government stood neutral on the legislation, meaning that the politicians voted according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Supporters of the bill say it can provide dignity and compassion to people suffering, while opponents worry that vulnerable people will be pushed closer to ending their lives.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the British Parliament, and those in favour of the legislation hugged, clapped, and cheered.

“Victory!” “We won!” they said.

While those opposing the bill stood in silence. Polls suggest that a majority of Britons support the bill.