The UK House of Commons has approved the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which would legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. This decision has been met with strong opposition from Catholic leaders, who have expressed deep disappointment and concern. They fear the bill will negatively impact healthcare culture, potentially forcing Catholic-run hospices and care homes to close. The bishops are urging the House of Lords to reject the bill and are advocating for improved palliative care as a more compassionate alternative.
13 days ago
The UK House of Commons has passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, permitting assisted suicide for terminally ill adults in England and Wales 1. The bill allows adults with less than six months to live to request assistance from a doctor to end their lives 1. This decision requires approval from two doctors and a panel including a social worker, lawyer, and psychiatrist 1 4 5. The bill passed by a narrow margin of 314 to 291, a smaller majority than a previous vote in November 1.
Catholic leaders have voiced strong opposition to the approved bill 1 5. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, called the vote "a watershed moment" that fundamentally changes societal values 1 4. Archbishop John Sherrington of Liverpool expressed being "shocked and disappointed" by the bill's passage 1 5. Both have voiced concerns about the implications for healthcare and the vulnerable 1 5.
A major concern is the potential impact on Catholic hospices and care homes 2 4. Bishops warn that Catholic-run institutions may be forced to close if the bill becomes law, as they cannot violate their mission by providing euthanasia 2 5. They fear that the bill could create a "duty" for these institutions to facilitate assisted suicide, potentially undermining their traditional foundations and widespread community support 2 4. Church lawyers anticipate government regulations enforcing assisted suicide provisions, potentially tied to funding 4.
Cardinal Nichols urges Catholics to defend the sanctity of life and persuade the House of Lords to reject the bill 4. Archbishop Sherrington and Cardinal Nichols emphasize the need for improved palliative care as a compassionate alternative 1 5. They encourage the Catholic community to support those caring for the dying and to pray for members of Parliament as they consider this legislation 5. Despite the bill's passage in the House of Commons, Catholic leaders maintain hope and call for continued advocacy 1 5.
What is the Catholic Church's teaching on the sanctity of life?
The Catholic Church holds that all human life is sacred from conception until natural death . This belief is rooted in the understanding that human beings are made in the image and likeness of God .
In summary, the Catholic Church's teaching on the sanctity of life is based on the belief that human life is a gift from God and must be protected and respected from conception to natural death.