The assisted dying bill has returned to the House of Commons for a vote, reigniting one of the most emotionally charged debates in Parliament's recent history. Former NHS nurse Karen O'Malley, wrongly given six to nine months to live 11 years ago and now cancer-free, opposes the legislation, fearing that had assisted dying been legal during her deepest despair, she might have chosen to end her life. In contrast, Caroline Hearsey, whose mother Joan begged to be "put out of her misery" while dying of oesophageal cancer in 2002, supports the bill, illustrating how the same goal of reducing suffering leads people to opposite conclusions.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would let adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live seek an assisted death, subject to approval from two doctors and an expert panel. It has already passed two Commons votes, though support narrowed from a 55-vote majority to 23, partly reflecting concern over dropped safeguards, including the removal of a requirement for High Court judge approval; it stalled in the Lords in April after peers tabled numerous amendments. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will not vote, to avoid influencing the debate, while high-profile figures including Dame Esther Rantzen back reform and actor Liz Carr is among those campaigning against it over safeguarding concerns for vulnerable people.