In a historic moment for UK end-of-life legislation, the House of Commons has passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. This marks a significant step towards legalising assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales. But what does this mean in practical terms, and what happens next?
House of Commons has passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
On 20 June 2025, MPs voted 314 - 291 in favour of the Bill – the first time the Commons has supported legislation of this kind, after decades of debate and several unsuccessful attempts.
The Bill now moves to the House of Lords for detailed scrutiny. If passed, it would give adults with a terminal diagnosis the legal right to seek medically assisted death.
Informed consent
To qualify for assisted dying under the Bill, individuals must be over 18 and have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than six months. Approval must come from two independent doctors and a multi-disciplinary review panel. The person must also be of sound mind to provide informed consent – but establishing mental capacity can be complex, particularly when it comes to later-life decisions.
Critics warn that legalising assisted dying could open the door to broader legislation in future – for example, extending eligibility to those who are not terminally ill but are suffering. There are also questions about how doctors and review panels will be monitored: are they truly independent, and are they best placed to support vulnerable individuals through such profound choices? There is also concern about how this will be funded within an already stretched NHS. A great deal still needs to be worked through.
What happens next?
If the Bill clears the House of Lords, it could receive Royal Assent before the end of 2025 – but implementation wouldn’t be immediate. Some estimates suggest that the necessary infrastructure and processes may not be in place until 2029.
If it does become law, the changes will reach far beyond patients and their families. Healthcare professionals, insurers, care providers, and even employers may all need to adapt to the new legal landscape.
We’ll be monitoring the Assisted Dying Bill closely as it moves through Parliament. In the meantime, if you’re concerned about how these changes might affect you or a loved one, contact Downs Solicitors to find out how we can help.
Contact Katie Carter
