The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024 (Assisted Dying)

A proposed law to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales has been formally introduced in the House of Commons.

MPs are due to debate and vote on the bill on 29 November - further debates and votes would be needed before the bill becomes law.

The bill - called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - would make it legal for over-18s who are terminally ill to be given assistance to end their own life.

Faith leaders from across Wales have joined forces to issue a powerful statement against the proposed Assisted Dying Bill, which is currently being debated in Parliament. If passed, the legislation would allow doctors to provide lethal drugs to individuals with incurable illnesses, effectively legalising physician-assisted suicide.

The Statement reads as follows:

A bill has been introduced to Parliament which allows doctors to supply lethal drugs to people with an incurable illness, in effect physician-assisted suicide.

As People of Faith, we share a common heritage of caring for the vulnerable, the sick and dying. This is why we feel we must speak together against the proposed legislation. Compassion is at the heart of all the Great World Religions.

Life is sacred.

We address our message more widely, to all people of goodwill, because the proposals for physician-assisted suicide are not just contrary to the dignity and sanctity of life, they pose grave dangers to vulnerable people.
Cherishing life means building a society where every person is included and the diversity of individuals is not seen as a burden. If the bill becomes law, the experience of countries such as Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands shows that the most vulnerable can no-longer presume on the balance of healthcare being in their favour. The criteria for assisted suicide become widened to include groups of people who need society’s help rather than assistance in ending their lives.

We raise our voices to remind legislators of the inherent dignity of every person, especially in relation to those who are disabled, elderly or vulnerable. If this bill were to be passed many would feel insecure about the future and conclude that they are a burden on loved ones and the health service. We must treasure and value these individuals among us.

The new bill marks a very serious moment for our country. It raises serious questions about what sort of society we want to be. Especially of concern is whether we will continue to promote a proper care of the dying, and of those who are vulnerable through disability or age. It is good to see that those opposed to a change in the law includes a diverse group of medical professionals (especially but not only from the field of palliative care), disability rights organisations, researchers, carers and a range of other concerned institutions.

We urge you write to, or email, your local MP, to express your concerns about the proposed bill.

Signed:
Representing the Roman Catholic Church in Wales:
Archbishop Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia
Bishop Peter Brignall, Bishop of Wrexham

Representing the Church in Wales:
The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John
The Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron
The Bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann
The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Lomas
The Bishop of Llandaff, Mary Stallard
The Bishop of St Davids, Dorrien Davies
The Bishop of Bardsey, David Morris

Representing the Evangelical Alliance in Wales:
Tim Rowlands

Representing the Cardiff United Synagogue:
Rabbi Michoel Rose

Representing the South Wales Jewish Representative Council: Laurence Kahn

Representing the Muslim Council of Wales:
Dr Abdul-Azim Ahmed

Representing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Wales:
Imam Usman Manan

Representing the Sikh Council of Wales:
Gurmit Singh Randhawa MBE

Representing the Hindu Council of Wales:
Dr Sakti Guha Niyogi

Write to your MP