MPs vote in favour of assisted dying – Humanists UK comment

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has passed its Second Reading.

This is the first time in history that the House of Commons has voted in favour of the principle of assisted dying for the terminally ill.

Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, said:

‘Parliament has taken a historic first step to meet the aspirations of the public, who overwhelmingly support having choice, dignity, and compassion at the end of their lives. We welcome this and look forward to working further on the legislation.

‘As the Bill goes through further stages and detail is debated, detailed questions of eligibility, process, and safeguards obviously remain on the table, but this is a historic Bill which would give many suffering people the choice and dignity they desire and deserve.

‘The fact of the matter is that assisted dying is already happening in this country. Some are travelling to Switzerland, if they have the money and mobility to do so. Others are dying in traumatic circumstances by suicide, assisted or otherwise. Many more are suffering greatly, even while receiving the best possible care. This vote shows that MPs see the need to introduce real safeguards to our law where there are currently none.’