British lawmakers voted 330 to 275 last Friday to initially approve an assisted dying bill, igniting sharp criticism from Christian leaders and advocacy groups. The bill would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill patients in England and Wales with a prognosis of less than six months to live. A final vote required for the bill to become law will occur next year. Currently, assisting suicide is illegal in the UK and carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
Shift in Public Opinion
This vote marks a turning point in the UK’s long-standing debate on end-of-life care. While a similar bill failed in 2015, public opinion has shifted, with two-thirds of Britons supporting legalization, according to recent polls. Proponents argue the bill offers a compassionate option for terminally ill patients enduring severe pain.
Christian Leaders Oppose the Bill
Faith leaders strongly oppose the measure, warning it undermines the sanctity of life and puts vulnerable individuals at risk of coercion. A coalition of leaders, including the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of Westminster, signed a public letter condemning the bill. They cautioned against creating a societal environment where individuals feel obligated to die due to perceived burdens on loved ones.
Ross Hendry of Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) criticized the bill’s safeguards as inadequate. He argued that they would diminish the value of human life and create a two-tier system in which some lives are deemed less worth protecting.
“This is the biggest proposed change to our social fabric in a generation,” Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, said in a press release. “Sadly, this bill will normalise suicide in our society as a positive option and places the most vulnerable at risk of abuse and coercion.”
Call for Enhanced Palliative Care
Opponents, including Sarah Mullally, the Church of England’s lead bishop for health, advocate for investing in high-quality palliative care rather than legalizing assisted dying. Andrea Williams of Christian Concern described the bill as a step backward, asserting it would lead to more suffering and strain on the National Health Service.
Next Steps
The bill has now been moved to parliamentary committees for review and potential amendments. Advocacy on both sides is expected to intensify before the final vote next year.
Source:
UK Christians Lament Landmark Vote to Legalize Assisted Dying
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