UK backs legalised euthanasia

British MPs have backed proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales in a historic vote which paves the way for a change in the law.

In a 330 to 275 vote, the House of Commons on Friday approved the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill that would grant the option of assisted dying to those in England and Wales with a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of six months or less.

The MPs supported a bill with a majority of 55. The issue has divided both the parliament and region for years.

The measure will now be sent to parliamentary committees for further debate and scrutiny before it can return to the House of Commons for another vote. It will likely take months before the bill becomes law.

It followed an emotional debate in the chamber, where MPs from both sides shared personal stories which had informed their decisions.

The government has not publicly supported the legislation, which was introduced by an ordinary lawmaker and so faced far less pre-parliamentary scrutiny than many critics have said was necessary for such a seismic shift in society.

Assisted suicide is currently illegal in Britain and can result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years. It puts family and friends at risk if they choose to accompany their sick loved one abroad for assisted dying or are present during the process.

Each year, a few dozen U.K. citizens travel to Switzerland — where assisted suicide has been legal for over 80 years — to end their lives, according to the group Dignity in Dying.