Britain debates new 'assisted dying' law

LONDON — British lawmakers are set to vote Friday on a landmark bill that would for the first time help terminally ill adults end their lives.

LONDON — British lawmakers are set to vote Friday on a landmark bill that would for the first time help terminally ill adults end their lives.

If passed, it would see the U.K. follow other countries such as Canada and Australia, as well as some U.S. states, and represent one of the most significant social reforms in a generation.

The bill would allow mentally competent adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to request and receive help to end their lives.

Assisted suicide is currently illegal in Britain and carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years. That same sentence will remain for anyone found guilty of tricking, pressuring or coercing someone into making the choice if the bill is passed.

Debate around the contentious bill, which will continue to be discussed in Parliament in the run up to the vote, has prompted an uncommon outpouring of politicians’ emotions and moral persuasions in a political system where voting usually happens along party lines. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/assisted-dying-britain-debate-british-vote-rcna182199

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