CARE responds to "deeply troubling" assisted suicide vote

MPs have voted 330 to 275 in support of the assisted suicide Bill – a majority of 55.

The Bill will now continue for further parliamentary scrutiny.

Ross Hendry, CEO of Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) commented:

“Today’s vote is deeply troubling, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised people in England and Wales who are fearful of a change in the law.

“Legalising assisted suicide would diminish the value we ascribe to human life in our legislation and our institutions and create a two-tier society where suicide prevention doesn’t extend to all people. This would be a moral failure, and a huge step backwards.

“As with other assisted suicide Bills in the past, there are no safeguards in this Bill that will rule out coercion of vulnerable people, and people ending their lives because they feel like a burden or lack proper support. There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ assisted suicide law.

“Parliament does have a responsibility to build better support for those who are dying but not through this dangerous Bill. We need a national conversation on how we ensure excellent, universally accessible end-of-life and palliative care, and stronger support for marginalised groups.

“We would urge parliamentarians to focus on this positive endeavour, and dismiss the dangerous, and disproven campaign for assisted suicide.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) provides social policy analysis from a Christian perspective. It is spearheading calls for gambling reform at Westminster and has worked closely with members of the NI Assembly to strengthen gambling regulation in NI.

To request an interview, contact: press@care.org.uk