As you may have seen, the proposal to legalise assisted suicide which was rejected by the Lords in the last parliamentary session is returning to the Commons in exactly the same form on Friday 11th September. Our Bishops have asked us to oppose this legislation, on the grounds that:
- it undermines respect for the innate value of life;
- that it could lead to vulnerable people feeling pressured into ending their lives;
- and that it risks putting many hospices and care homes in the position of no longer being able to operate.
The Bishops have asked us to contact / write to our MPs once again, to express our opposition to this bill. They have provided materials to help us to do this on their website (www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/).
SPUC also offers advice on what to say to your MP (SPUC.org.uk/Fight the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill). There is only a short time before the bill is debated on 11th September. Please contact your MP as soon as possible.