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

Assisted dying on Welsh NHS a step closer as Senedd votes in favour 3 hours ago Share Save Adrian Browne and David Deans , BBC Wales politics Share Save Welsh politicians have paved the way for assisted dying services on the NHS after a key vote took place in the Senedd on Tuesday night. 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. First Minister Eluned Morgan and Health Secretary Jeremy Miles were among those who voted against. Assisted dying could be offered by non-NHS providers if Senedd rejects bill 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". Several criticised the process - with the Senedd having no say in whether or not assisted dying is actually made legal - and voting while the Lords are still considering a large number of changes. 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. A Plaid amendment calling for the issue to be given to the Senedd to fully control failed to pass, however. 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. If agreed by the UK Parliament the issue falls to the next Welsh government, f...