MPs have voted in favour for a proposed bill that could give terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to die.
The assisted dying bill was put forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, if passed it would give terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months to live the choice to end their lives. The bill has passed the first stages in the Commons but this does not mean that it will become law, instead facing further scrutiny in parliament.
It is controversial due to concerns about whether or not people could be pressured or coerced into it, as well as the NHS pressure on palliative care services that are currently available to terminally ill patients.
A recent study by Kings College London found that two thirds (63%) backed legalising assisted dying for terminal ill adults, however worries about the potential risks remain, with three in five (61%) concerned about some people being pressured into it.
While assisted dying remains illegal in majority of nations around the world, there are some countries where it is legal.
5. Belgium
Belgium has a similar system to The Netherlands, allowing euthanasia or physician-assisted dying for those experiencing unbearable suffering from an incurable illness, including mental health issues. The right was extended to children in 2014, there is no age limit but the law requires the child to have the ability to understand and consent from the parents. | Pexels, Paul Deetman
6. Spain
Spain legalised assisted dying for those living with "serious and incurable" diseases that cause "unbearable suffering" in 2021. | Pexels, Aleksandar Pasaric
7. Austria
Austria legalised assisted dying in 2021 for those who who are terminally ill or have a permanent, debilitating condition. | Pexels, Pixabay
8. Cololmbia
Colombia is the only country in Latin America where assisted dying is legal. Under the law the person must either be terminal ill, have a terminal disease in an advanced state or have an incurable illness that impacts their life in a serious way. | Pexels,