abstention

Julie Morgan's motion calling for a new law to allow assisted dying was defeated in October by 26 against to 19 for - with nine abstentions.

There were 124 votes in favour and 14 against, including Israel, along with 43 abstentions.

Students in the audience, some with mouths taped shut to symbolize their hunger strike over the issue, reacted with fury, calling out, “Cowards!” and other epithets after the 10-to-6 vote, with one abstention.

The vote was approved 29 to 0 with one abstention.

Someone may be allergic or intolerant to alcohol, taking a medicine that contraindicates alcohol consumption, or have religious or personal preferences that tend toward abstention.