Assisted Dying Laws: A Global Perspective

British lawmakers are set to vote on a landmark assisted dying bill, potentially leading major social reform. Countries like Switzerland, the U.S., Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Australia, Spain, Germany, France, and Ireland are also navigating legal aspects of offering terminally ill patients end-of-life choices.

On Friday, British lawmakers will cast their votes on a groundbreaking bill aiming to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill individuals, potentially marking the nation's most significant social reform in decades.

Worldwide, countries have adopted varying stances on assisted dying. Switzerland, pioneering the practice in 1942, allows it non-selfishly, while U.S. states like Oregon and California followed suit under strict regulations. The Netherlands and Belgium have progressive frameworks with conditions for minors too.

Other nations like Canada and Australia recently expanded laws to include those facing intolerable suffering. Meanwhile, in Germany and France, legal complexities continue to shape the discourse. In Ireland, recommendations for restricted legalization could signal future legislative changes.

(With inputs from agencies.)