Dignity in Dying in the UK hails “breakthrough” result as majority of MPs vote to progress their voluntary assisted dying bill.

On Friday 29th November 2024, Britain's parliament voted in favour of a bill that would legalise voluntary assisted dying (VAD) at the Second Reading stage - 330 votes to 275. 

"The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would make the choice of assisted dying legal for terminally ill, mentally competent adults, alongside excellent end-of-life care. The Bill’s Second Reading saw an unprecedented turnout of MPs engage in a five-hour long debate; lawmakers’ first opportunity to vote on the issue in almost a decade.

"This marks a significant shift in support since 2015, the last time a Bill on assisted dying came before the House, and reflects the overwhelming public support for the introduction of the choice. In-depth polling has shown that three-quarters of the British public believe that the law should change, with majority support in every constituency in Great Britain."

"The Bill will now be considered in depth at the Committee Stage, where every line of the proposed legislation will receive in-depth scrutiny by MPs."

To read the full press release from our colleagues in Britain, visit the Dignity in Dying website here.