Christian leaders have turned their attention to improving end-of-life care, after MPs voted to reject a proposed assisted suicide law in England and Wales.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons yesterday, with a majority of 16.
Bishop of Newcastle, Rt Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, expressed relief that MPs “have taken seriously the detailed scrutiny applied to the Bill in the House of Lords” in the last parliamentary session, of which she was instrumental as a member of the select committee.
Reflecting on the “deeply personal nature” of the debate, the Church of England bishop said: “I hope that today’s decision now affords us space for reflection, but also for action: a clear and sustained commitment to improving palliative and end-of-life care, alongside the social care on which so many people and families depend. These are urgent matters, and they must now receive the attention and investment they deserve.”
Catholic Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, Mark O'Toole, described the result as “a good day for democracy and for the dignity of human life”.
He said: “We must continue to seek excellent palliative care which is broad and consistent across our nations, so that no person is made to feel a burden and all those facing the end of their lives can feel supported, loved and respected.
“This result is not the end of the conversation but a renewed call to action. The Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia remains committed to championing excellent, accessible palliative care in every community, so that no person nearing the end of their life ever feels they are a burden.”
A number of Christian charities came together in their advocacy and prayer that the Bill would not pass, promoting better care for the vulnerable instead.
Danny Webster, director of advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance, said: “It is essential that people, especially the vulnerable, are treated with care and compassion at the end of their lives and not encouraged to end their lives early. With the rejection of assisted suicide, we continue to call on the government to ensure palliative care provides the best possible support for people at the end of life.”
Christian social policy charity CARE has also opposed the proposals. Its chief executive Ross Hendry called it “dangerous and irredeemably flawed”, likening the Bill to a Pandora’s Box that could lead to further liberalisation.
Hendry added: “Too many people cannot access high-quality end of life care when they really need it, and we therefore agree with MPs from across the House that this must be urgently addressed. We will therefore work with Parliamentarians to improve access to palliative care, and we will continue to be an advocate for life and for the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Supporters of assisted suicide insists their fight is not over, although legislation is unlikely to return to parliament before the next general election.