British lawmakers back assisted dying bill after emotional debate
London On Friday, British lawmakers approved a historic bill that would assist terminally sick persons in ending their lives for the first time.
Months of discussion and potential revisions to the measure as it passes through the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the upper house of Parliament, begin with the initial parliamentary vote, which was 330 in favor and 275 against.
If ultimately approved, it would be one of the biggest social reforms in a decade and would put the United Kingdom in line with nations like Canada, Australia, and certain U.S. states.
Under the measure, mentally competent persons in England and Wales who have less than six months to live could ask for and get assistance in ending their lives.
In Britain, assisted suicide is now illegal and carries a maximum 1...