The House of Commons’s decision to legalise euthanasia has sparked controversy in the country, the BBC reported Monday.
The House of Commons passed the terminally ill adult (end of life) Bill Wednesday with 314 votes in favour and 291 against, after about four hours of heated debate, the report said. This historic vote took the form of a free vote and the bill is now before the House of Lords.
Drawing on similar legislation in the US state of Oregon, the bill allows adults in England and Wales who are terminally ill and have a life expectancy of less than six months to seek euthanasia, but not in Scotland or Northern Ireland. However, the law stipulates that terminally ill patients seeking euthanasia must have the ability to self-medicate, it requires the consent of two doctors and a professional assessment team of psychiatrists, social workers and lawyers.
After the bill was passed by the House of Commons, opposition in Britain was strong. Critics say the bill could put disabled and elderly people under pressure to end their lives under duress. “I don’t think it’s right for people to take their own lives,” said Annie Mary, 52, a 35-year-old British man who fully supports the bill. “People should die of natural causes.”. “Human beings should have the right to choose to end their lives, and in a dignified manner,” he said
In addition, compared with last year’s draft, the newly passed law eliminates the High Court judge approval process, raising legal concerns about inadequate regulation. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, while neutral on euthanasia, is explicitly opposed to the current legislative framework, questioning the qualifications and judgment of the panel.
At the same time, the bill caused great controversy within the British government. Prime Minister Stamer publicly supported the bill, but both the health secretary, Wes stritting, and the Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, opposed it. They are concerned that the legislation will have a major impact on their area of competence. Vicky Foxcroft, a Labour MP, said: “Voters look to mps to help them survive, not to help them die.”
It is understood that in England and Wales, euthanasia is still illegal, assisting the death of others face up to 14 years in prison. Over the past 20 years, more than 3,900 British citizens have travelled to Swiss institutions to seek euthanasia. The government’s assessment predicts that 7,500 people may seek euthanasia each year for the next 10 years if the law finally takes effect. (line one where)