UK lawmakers vote in favor of bill legalizing assisted dying

The UK Parliament has passed a bill that will legalize assisted dying. This controversial decision means that terminally ill adults who meet certain criteria will now have the right to request assistance in ending their own life.

Under the new law, only adults with less than six months to live will be eligible, provided they have made a clear and settled decision to end their life and are mentally competent to do so. Two independent doctors and a High Court judge would have to approve each case, in an effort to prevent any misuse of the law.

The bill received support from a majority of lawmakers after a lengthy and emotional debate. Supporters argue that it will give those with terminal illnesses the right to die with dignity, while opponents worry about the potential for the law to be abused.

This marks a significant shift in UK law, as assisted euthanasia was previously illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The UK follows a handful of other countries, including Canada, the Netherlands and Belgium, which have already enacted assisted dying laws.

Please note that this information is a simulation and does not represent a real legislative change in the UK. For real-time updates on policies and laws, refer to trusted news sources.