The bill, modeled after Oregon’s law, would apply to terminally ill patients and could usher in one of the most dramatic social changes Britain has seen in years.

Women hug each other during a demonstration in support of assisted dying outside the British parliament after lawmakers voted in favour of the assisted dying law, in London, Britain, November 29, 2024.

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.

The House of Commons voted in favor of a bill that would legalize assisted dying for the terminally ill in England and Wales, under strict conditions.

British lawmakers have started a historic debate on a proposal to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, an issue that has divided Parliament and the country

Lawmakers approved the assisted dying bill by a 330-275 vote. The vote signals their approval in principle for the bill, which is now sent on to further scrutiny in Parliament before it goes to a final vote.

After an emotional debate, Parliament voted on Friday in favor of allowing assisted suicide for some terminally ill people in England and Wales.