Cardinal wants UK Catholics to oppose assisted suicide bill

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has written a pastoral letter urging Catholics to contact their MPs. Other bishops are expected to write similar pastoral letters to their parishes.

The third reading and vote on the bill is expected to be on or around April 25.

Cardinal Nichols restated the bishops’ objections to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. He also expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the “deeply flawed” parliamentary process, arguing there should have been a royal commission or independent inquiry before considering changing the law on the matter.

“The bill itself is long and complex and was published just days before MPs voted on it, giving them inadequate time to consult or reflect upon it,” he argued.

“The time for debate was minimal. The committee examining the bill took only three days of evidence: not all voices were heard, and it comprises an undue number of supporters of the bill. In short, this is no way to legislate on such an important and morally complex issue.”

Cardinal Nichols said many vital questions remain unanswered.

“Can MPs guarantee that the scope of the bill will not be extended? What role, if any, will the judiciary have in the process? What will protect the vulnerable from coercion, or from feeling a burden on family? Can MPs guarantee that no medical practitioner or care worker would be compelled to take part in assisted suicide? Would this mean the establishment of a ‘national death service’?”

What is needed, the cardinal stated, is first-class, compassionate palliative care at the end of life.

“This is already provided to many in our society but, tragically, is in short supply and underfunded,” he wrote.

“No-one should be dispatched as a burden to others. Instead, a good society would prioritise care for the elderly, the vulnerable and the weak. The lives of our families are richer for cherishing their presence.”

FULL STORY

UK Cardinal urges MPs to vote against assisted suicide (By Ruth Gledhill/The Tablet)

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – Parliamentary Bills – UK Parliament (UK Parliament)