The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have issued a strong statement urging Members of Parliament to vote against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which is expected to face a decisive vote in the House of Commons on either 13th or 20th June.
The proposed legislation seeks to legalise assisted suicide for terminally ill adults, but bishops have warned that it poses serious moral, practical, and legal risks, particularly to the most vulnerable members of society.
Archbishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, expressed deep concern about the bill’s implications for healthcare providers, ethical standards, and patient safety. “This legislation would require many hospices and care homes to facilitate assisted suicide,” the statement reads. “This will put in jeopardy their ability to provide care.” An amendment that would have allowed institutions to opt out was rejected by Parliament.
The bishops also highlighted inadequate protections for healthcare professionals, stating that the bill’s provisions for conscientious objection are both “unclear and inadequate.” In addition, the safeguards against coercion—especially for individuals facing financial pressures or who feel like a burden—have been described as wholly insufficient. During the Committee Stage, key questions about how the bill would protect such individuals went unanswered.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has joined other professional bodies in opposing the bill, particularly due to concerns about the role psychiatrists would be expected to play in assessing requests for assisted suicide.
Further criticism has been levelled at the legislative process itself. The bishops note that MPs are expected to review nearly 60 pages of amendments in under 15 hours, and describe the process as inadequate for “such a radical change” to the law.
In response, the bishops have issued a call to action: “We urge Catholics, and all people of goodwill, to contact their MP and ask them to vote against this bill. We also ask you to pray that our representatives choose to protect the most vulnerable citizens of this country when they vote later this month.”
