The forces of Death have faced a major setback in Wales this week. Members of the Welsh Parliament have rejected a motion calling for the legalisation of assisted suicide in England and Wales.
In a free vote, MSs refused to endorse assisted suicide in principle or back a Westminster-imposed change in the law by 26 to 19, while there were nine abstentions.
Last week, Kim Leadbeater MP introduced her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in the House of Commons, which would allow people deemed to be terminally ill in England and Wales to receive help to kill themselves.
First Minister Eluned Morgan and Health Minister Jeremy Miles both voted against the proposals, along with a further nine of their Welsh Labour colleagues.
Legalising assisted suicide would send a clear message that some lives are not worth livingDarren Millar MS
Miles said a change in the law on assisted suicide would have “huge ramifications for Wales” with far reaching implications “for the health service and end-of-life care services”.
Conservative MS Darren Millar also voted against, telling Senedd: “Legalising assisted suicide would send a clear message that some lives are not worth living”.
Similarly opposing the plans, Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell commented: “My fear with this motion – well, my terror, really – is not so much with how it will begin as with how it will end.”