A vote on legalising assisted dying in England and Wales is set to take place in just a short number of weeks after a bill was brought forward.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has proposed the change in law.
As the MP for Spen Valley, she introduced a private members bill, which will be debated.
Private members’ bills – introduced by backbench MPs rather than the Government – seldom become law, but there has been increasing momentum in support of legalising assisted dying.
The legislation would give adults nearing the end of their lives the power to choose to shorten their deaths and give stronger protections both for them and for those they leave behind.
At the moment, family and friends who help a person end their life could face up to 14 years in prison.
Leadbeater said: “I know that life is precious. But no two people’s lives are the same. What is in the best interests of one person may not be right for another.
“I believe that we should all have the right to a good life and, where possible, a good death.
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“Which is why this Bill is about individual choice and autonomy, something every one of us deserves.”
The MP added that the new law will include details which ensure no one is pressured into an assisted death against their will.
She also said precautions will be in place to make sure palliative care is not undermined.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously suggested that he is personally supportive of the move.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously suggested that he is personally supportive of the move
PA
In September, Starmer made a vow to Dame Esther Rantzen that he would allow MPs a free vote on the issue.
She has been campaigning to legalise assisted dying after revealing last year that she has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
Last month, the Labour leader said: “I gave her (Dame Esther) my word that we would make time for this with a private member’s bill and I repeat that commitment. I made it to her personally and I meant it.”
