The debate over assisted dying in England and Wales is far from over. Although Kim Leadbeater MP’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed through the House of Commons after extensive debate and amendment, it did not complete its passage through the House of Lords before the parliamentary session ended. As a result, the Bill fell and did not become law.
The campaign has now been taken forward by Labour MP Lauren Edwards, who secured a high place in the ballot for Private Members’ Bills in the new parliamentary session. She has indicated that she intends to reintroduce legislation that closely reflects the previous Bill, allowing Parliament to build on the scrutiny that has already taken place. Supporters hope the Bill will progress during this parliamentary session, with the aim of securing Royal Assent before the end of the current Parliament.
As Christians, we affirm that every person is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth from conception until natural death. While we grieve with those who suffer from terminal illness and support the provision of compassionate, high-quality palliative care, we believe that intentionally ending human life is inconsistent with the Christian understanding of the sanctity of life.
Alongside these ethical concerns are important questions of religious liberty. If assisted dying becomes lawful, there will be continuing debate about the extent to which healthcare professionals, chaplains, care homes and faith-based organisations may decline to participate in, facilitate or promote assisted dying on grounds of conscience. Individual Christians working in health and social care may also face increasing pressure to act in ways that conflict with their deeply held religious convictions. Ensuring that robust protections for freedom of conscience and freedom of religion remain in place will be an important part of the national conversation.
The Religious Liberty Ministry believes that Christians should engage with these issues thoughtfully, graciously and prayerfully. We encourage our members to pray for Lauren Edwards, for all Members of Parliament and peers who will consider this legislation, and for those facing terminal illness and their families. Pray also that Parliament will uphold both the sanctity of human life and the longstanding freedoms that allow people of faith to live and serve according to their conscience.
As Scripture reminds us, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed” (Proverbs 31:8). May God grant wisdom to our legislators, compassion to our communities, and courage to His people as this important debate continues.
