US EditionMPs waver once again as 'emotive' assisted dying bill heads back to the Commons
- The bill permitting assisted dying for adults in England and Wales diagnosed with a terminal illness is scheduled for further discussion in the House of Commons on Friday, May 17, 2025.
- The Bill follows a historic vote in November 2024 and extensive committee scrutiny, but ongoing concerns about safeguards, mental health safeguards, and practicality have led to numerous amendments and divided opinions among MPs and medical bodies.
- Backers, including cross-party MPs and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, emphasize stronger protections and maintain support, while the Royal College of Psychiatrists expresses serious concerns about the legislation’s current form and psychiatric capacity.
- Since November, over 500 amendments have been debated, with approximately a third agreed, and key supporters argue that the law change addresses unbearable suffering and compassion while opponents warn of societal risks and weakening safeguards.
- The outcome remains uncertain as the vote could be influenced by wavering MPs, and the Bill’s passage would lead it to the House of Lords, marking a significant step in assisted dying legislation in England and Wales.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Our top ten picks of the week
The major problem with the Assisted Dying Bill is not just assisting suicide – it’s the Bill itself Danny Kruger “Some people oppose the principle of this Bill. However even if you support assisted suicide this Bill is the wrong one. It is too wide in its eligibility; the process of pushing it through Parliament has been chaotic, bordering on anti-democratic and it will have a severely detrimental effect on the NHS.” — Our Survey: Kemi Badenoch …
Disabled People are Not "Better off Dead"
Craig Paton reported for the Independent on May 13, 2025 on the Not Dead Yet UK rally outside Holyrood (Scottish parliament) as the Liam McArthur assisted suicide bill was debated and voted on. The rally opposing assisted suicide featured actress Liz Carr and Scottish Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy. Paton reported that Silent Witness star Liz Carr told campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament that: “I am so fed up of having to answer strangers…
We must allow the terminally ill to decide their own fate
When my father was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2006, California had no End of Life Option Act. What he faced — and what our family endured — remains a painful reminder of why we must pass Senate Bill 403. After being told he had about a year to live, my father made a devastating decision: he planned to shoot himself when the suffering became too great. When I found out about his plan, I was horrified. I begged him to consider a le…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
