UK lawmakers voted to move forward with historic new assisted dying legislation on Friday that would allow terminally ill adults to request help to end their lives in England and Wales. The legislation puts in place multiple safeguards,

British lawmakers have approved the 'Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)' bill, allowing terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to request assistance in ending their lives, despite concerns about the impact on vulnerable groups and palliative care services.

Lawmakers in Britain gave initial approval to a bill to allow terminally ill adults to end their lives in England and Wales in a vote in the House of Commons on Friday.

Palliative care expert Nancy Preston said interest increased during the pandemic, when people witnessed the sorts of deaths they want to avoid for themselves.

The bill gives people the right to assisted suicide if they have a terminal illness and fewer than six months to live.

UK lawmakers will debate on Friday a new bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales that has sparked concern among opponents about its implications.

Assisted dying laws vary significantly across Europe, with some countries embracing the practice, while others maintaining stringent prohibitions.