London: On Saturday, members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of a Bill that could legalize assisted suicide in the UK, marking a historic yet controversial moment. Senior Catholic bishops have expressed deep concern, calling it a "dark day for our country."
The Catholic bishops of England and Wales voiced their sadness as the majority of MPs supported the bill. On November 29, in the House of Commons, 330 MPs voted in favor, while 275 voted against, following a five-hour debate.
Despite the vote, the Bill still has a long road ahead before it becomes law. It will undergo several stages of parliamentary scrutiny, amendments, and ratification. John Sherrington, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, expressed hope that the bill would be rejected in later stages of the process.
The Terminally Ill (End of Life) Bill passed its Second Reading with a 55-vote majority, making it likely that assisted suicide will be legalized for the first time in Britain’s history. Currently, assisted suicide is illegal under the Suicide Act of 1961, carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison, though prosecutions are rare.
The Bill would allow doctors to assist terminally ill adults, who have less than six months to live, in ending their lives. Two doctors and a High Court judge would need to approve the decision.
After the vote, Bishop Mark Davies of Shrewsbury described the day as "dark" for the country, emphasizing that the Christian value of compassion is now needed more than ever.
Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth expressed concern that this move could lead to broader acceptance of euthanasia. He said, "This leaves me sad as it will put unbearable pressure on the elderly and terminally ill and undermine trust in medical professionals." He also feared the Bill could expand to include other groups of people in the future, saying, "Britain has now crossed a line. May God help us."
Auxiliary Bishop John Sherrington of Westminster, who leads the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales on life issues, called the Bill "flawed in principle" and expressed disappointment that it had progressed to this stage. He encouraged the Catholic community to pray that MPs would reconsider the bill at later stages.
He also raised concerns over the Bill’s provisions that could restrict doctors from exercising conscientious objection and may fail to adequately protect hospices and care homes that do not want to participate in assisted suicides. "Genuine compassion involves walking with those in need of care, especially during sickness, disability, and old age," he said, adding that improving palliative care would be a better solution for end-of-life suffering.
The Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater from Spen Valley, will move to the Committee Stage, where MPs can suggest changes before it moves to the House of Lords for further consideration.
Ms. Leadbeater, during the debate, highlighted the Bill's focus on "choice, autonomy, and dignity" for those facing terminal illnesses. "We are not talking about a choice between life and death, but about giving dying people the choice of how to die," she said.
However, Conservative MP Danny Kruger warned that the Bill is fundamentally flawed and urged MPs to vote against it, citing concerns about its potential consequences.
MORE UK NEWS:
UK Transport Secretary Resigns Over Decade-Old Fraud Conviction
India and UK Sign Agreement to Co-Develop Electric Propulsion Systems for Future Warships
UK Govt Ready to Restart Free Trade Agreement Negotiations with India: Indian Envoy