Catholic leaders in the United Kingdom are speaking out against the Starmer government's effort to reintroduce the failed assisted suicide bill in Parliament.
In a statement, Archbishop John Sherrington expressed is concern that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is set to return to Parliament this autumn after facing significant backlash upon introduction.
“I am deeply disappointed that the previously unsuccessful Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is being reintroduced in the House of Commons,” stated Sherrington.
“The recent debate about this Bill showed how many people found the proposed legislation, even if they accepted it in principle, to be flawed and full of unresolved matters. The Catholic Church opposes this Bill in principle and joins with many other people of faith and none in arguing that we should not cross this watershed.”
If enacted, the legislation would permit terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of six months or less to request medical assistance to commit suicide.
Archbishop Sherrington, who serves as lead bishop for life issues for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, expanded upon the radical nature of the bill, including the moral implications on healthcare providers.
“The Bill undermines freedom of conscience for medical professionals and care workers. It also requires care homes and hospices to participate in assisted suicide, threatening not only their future existence but also the wellbeing of their more vulnerable staff.”