British lawmakers are set to decide Friday whether to legalize assisted dying, a contentious proposal that would make the United Kingdom one of a small handful of nations to allow terminally ill people to end their lives.

The bill passes the first stage in the Commons but will be followed by months of parliamentary activity before it becomes a law.

UK MPs will debate and vote on proposed legislation that could make assisted dying legal in the country. Labour’s Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill, seeks to provide dignity to those who are dying.