MPs vote today on assisted dying bill for terminally ill patients in England and Wales

MPs are set to vote today, November 29, on a bill to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill patients in England and Wales. This legislation allows a free vote, meaning MPs can vote according to their personal beliefs. The bill, proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, includes strict eligibility criteria. Patients must be over 18, have mental capacity, be terminally ill with six months or less to live, and obtain consent from two medical professionals. A five-hour debate began at 9:30 AM, with voting scheduled for 2:30 PM. The bill has faced criticism over its safeguards, but Leadbeater asserts it includes strong protections against coercion. If passed, further debate and amendments will follow.