The question of whether terminally ill people should have the right to end their own lives has divided MPs as they consider a proposed law to legalize euthanasia.

If passed, this landmark bill would Offer this option to people who are expected to die within six months - If their decision is approved by a doctor.

They need to be confident that patients' choices are made without pressure or coercion.

But the debate has raised questions about how to protect terminally ill people and avoid coercion - with both Labor and Conservative politicians criticizing the proposal.

BBC News spoke to two terminally ill people, Elise Burns, who supports euthanasia, and Nik Ward, who hopes the bill will not pass.

Nick, who has motor neurone disease, said he might have chosen euthanasia had it been legal three years ago.

The 53-year-old has been told for the past five years that he is terminally ill and knows he could die tomorrow from choking on food or his own saliva.

"I'm proud of my health and fitness," said Nick, who now uses a power wheelchair and a respirator.

"Twenty years ago, if you had said to me I would be in a wheelchair, I would have said 'No, man, that's okay. I'd rather walk.'"

More information on the euthanasia vote

Now Nick says his attitude toward life and death has changed, and he's grateful to see his children grow up. His eldest daughter is engaged.

Under the proposed law, Nick worries that other people with terminal illnesses will choose euthanasia, missing out on the joy that more life can bring - even if they are less physically capable.

The private member's bill was introduced by Labor MP Kim Leadbeater, but the highly sensitive nature of the issue has divided politicians from all major parties.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised his party will be allowed to vote freely of conscience.

Many people with terminal illnesses say the bill gives them hope they won't have to endure a painful or lengthy death.

Elise Burns lives in constant pain from advanced breast cancer that has spread to her bones, lungs and liver. She was told she might only have two years left to live.

The 50-year-old relies on two different forms of morphine and high-strength cocodamol to manage his pain. Sometimes "they don't touch the sides," making it almost impossible for her to move.

The pain was worst in her thigh, where she had a metal rod inserted after the cancer eroded her femur.

Elise said the pain only got worse as her body built up a tolerance to the painkillers, making them less effective.

"I'm not afraid of dying, but I'm afraid of dying badly - a long, long, brutal, horrible death. That scares me."

Critics of the bill are particularly concerned about protecting people who are made vulnerable by life-threatening illnesses.

Some believe that the existence of euthanasia legislation may create hidden pressures on terminally ill patients - even if no one is actively trying to force them.

Nick describes this possibility as "a very subtle but very constant background noise."

For example, he believes that people who may feel they are a burden to their loved ones may choose to "take their own life because they feel they should do it for the sake of their children."

"These are the most thoughtful, caring people - they are the people I worry about," he added.

But Nick admits that although MND robs him of an active body, he does not endure the constant pain that Elise and some other terminally ill patients do.

"I completely respect their position," he said. "In a sense, I live in a pretty privileged situation."

Elise disagrees that the bill will force people to end their lives prematurely, as the option is only available to those with just six months to live.

As a safeguard, the person's death request needs to be approved by two doctors and a judge.

Elise acknowledged that opponents of the bill had questions about the effectiveness of the safety measures and the ethics of assisted dying.

"It's such a complex question and I don't have all the answers. What I'm saying is, everyone should have the choice to do what they want with their body."

Elise knows she will die soon, but she says choosing when that happens brings her comfort and peace of mind.

She believes that if the bill is approved, it may be too late for her.

Instead, she plans to use assisted dying services provided by Swiss company Dignitas.

She said their process required a lot of paperwork beforehand and would cost her between £12,000 and £15,000.

She said she was lucky to be able to afford it, but the high costs involved were another reason the law should be changed - so that every terminally ill patient who chooses euthanasia can do so, not just those who People who can afford it. it.

If the bill does pass, Elise hopes she can "see it firsthand."

"This will help a lot of people," she added.

Newscast - Assisted Dying Bill Explained

Adam Fleming joins BBC deputy political editor Vicki Young and medical editor Fergus Walsh to discuss the safeguards set out in the bill, how leading politicians said they would vote along with the concerns raised by those who opposed the bill.