Assisted dying on Welsh NHS a step closer as Senedd votes in favour

"Following an emotional debate, Wales' parliament gave its consent to Westminster legislation that would allow terminally ill people to obtain a medically assisted death. The landmark bill, which is currently in the House of Lords, would legalise the practice across England and Wales if passed. The vote in Cardiff Bay was needed because the backbench law gives powers to the Welsh government to set rules for assisted dying services if it wishes to."

"Had the Senedd rejected the vote, it could have meant that assisted dying services were only available in Wales from private providers, not within the NHS. MSs also backed a Plaid Cymru amendment criticising 'the lack of thorough consideration of the constitutional implications of this bill for Wales'."

"Regardless of how Tuesday's legislative consent motion could have gone, if the law is passed in Westminster the practice would have been legal anyway, with Wales' parliament only left with a decision about how to implement it. The next step is with the House of Lords, where there are fears among supporters that the legislation may be in danger because of the amount of amendments proposed there."

Wales' Senedd voted to consent to Westminster legislation that would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill individuals across England and Wales. The vote was necessary because the backbench bill grants the Welsh government authority to establish rules for assisted dying services within the NHS. First Minister Eluned Morgan and Health Secretary Jeremy Miles voted against the measure. Without this consent, assisted dying services would only be available through private providers in Wales. The Senedd also backed a Plaid Cymru amendment criticizing insufficient consideration of constitutional implications. Critics highlighted concerns about the legislative process, noting the Senedd had no say in whether assisted dying becomes legal, only how to implement it. The House of Lords continues reviewing the legislation, with supporters worried about numerous proposed amendments potentially jeopardizing passage.

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