Statement on Second Reading of Assisted Suicide Bill
Following the decision of MPs to vote in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at the Second Reading today (29 November), Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, said:
“We are disappointed that MPs have voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill progressing through parliament. We believe that this bill is flawed in principle and also contains particular clauses that are of concern. We ask the Catholic community to pray that members of parliament will have the wisdom to reject this bill at a later stage in its progress.
“In addition to being opposed to the principle of assisted suicide, we are particularly concerned with clauses in the bill that prevent doctors from properly exercising conscientious objection, provide inadequate protection to hospices and care homes that do not wish to participate in assisted suicide and allow doctors to initiate conversations about assisted suicide. We ask that these voices be heard in the next stages of the Bill to strengthen the deep concerns about this proposed legislation.
“We have expressed the view, during this debate, that genuine compassion involves walking with those who need care, especially during sickness, disability and old age. The vocation to care is at the heart of the lives of so many people who look after their loved ones and is the sign of a truly compassionate society. It is essential that we nurture and renew the innate call that many people have to compassionately care for others.
“It remains the case that improving the quality and availability of palliative care offers the best pathway to reducing suffering at the end of life. We will continue to advocate for this and support those who work tirelessly to care for the dying in our hospices, hospitals and care homes.”
"MPs have backed proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales in a historic vote which paves the way for a change in the law.
ReplyDeleteIn the first Commons vote on the issue in nearly a decade, MPs supported a bill which would allow terminally ill adults expected to die within six months to seek help to end their own life by 330 to 275, a majority of 55.
It followed an emotional debate in the chamber, where MPs from both sides shared personal stories which had informed their decisions.
The bill will now face many more months of debate and scrutiny by MPs and peers, who could choose to amend it, with the approval of both Houses of Parliament required before it becomes law.
Supporters gathered outside Parliament wept and hugged each other as the result was announced.
Campaign group Dignity in Dying said the vote was a "historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying people".
Dame Esther Rantzen, one of the most high-profile campaigners for assisted dying, said she was "absolutely thrilled".
The broadcaster, who has terminal lung cancer, said any change in the law would probably come too late to affect her personally.
But she said "future generations will be spared the ordeals we have to suffer at the moment" if the bill becomes law.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who put forward the bill, told the BBC she was "a bit overwhelmed" following the vote and it meant "a huge amount" to be able to tell campaigners the bill had passed its first parliamentary hurdle."
[Source BBC News]
UP YOURS, MR VINCENT!!
Det. Sgt. Clint Tebbitt, Chair, Police Federation LGBTQI+ Section
Campaign group Dignity in Dying said the vote was a "historic step towards greater choice and protection for dying people".
ReplyDeleteProtection for dying people!!! What a sick joke.
Eddie Bradawl