LIVE OR LET DIE?

Commons backs opt-out amendment | Critics say law would be harmful

- SOPHIE HUSKISSON

THE bid to legalise assisted dying took a step forward yesterday as a key change was supported by MPs.

The amendment backed by the Commons would ensure any health or care professional could opt out of helping with an assisted death.

After a five-hour debate, momentum still appeared to be with MP Kim Leadbeater in her attempt to allow terminally ill adults with six months left to apply to end their lives.

A change put forward by an opponent of the bill was defeated.

MPs will debate the bill again on June 13 with more than 100 amendments tabled.

There will then be a crunch vote on the highly sensitive issue.

The debate yesterday was the first time the proposed law returned to the Commons since a vote in November, in which a majority of MPs supported the principle of assisted dying.

Bringing her bill back to Parliament, Ms Leadbeater said assisted dying must be legalised to avoid terminally ill people acting out of desperation or having to travel to Dignitas in Switzerland. The Labour MP for Spen Valley in West Yorkshire said: "Over recent months, I have heard hundreds of stories from people who have lost loved ones in traumatic circumstances.