(Adnkronos) – The law on euthanasia for seriously ill adults in the terminal phase, with a life expectancy of no more than six months, was approved at first reading in the British House of Commons with 330 votes in favour and 275 against. The law applies in England and Wales. MPs were asked to vote their conscience and not follow their party line. The bill will now be debated in the chamber. Parliamentarians will be able to choose to amend it and then it will have to be voted on by both houses before becoming law. Former Premier Rishi Sunak and Premier Keir Starmer voted in favour and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch voted against.
According to the text voted on today, those who request euthanasia must have the mental capacity to be able to choose it in a “clear, thoughtful and informed” way, with a request free from coercion or pressure renewed at every stage of the process. Two independent doctors and a High Court judge must ratify the decision, verifying its voluntariness.
