You will be aware of the current debate around legislation aimed at introducing assisted suicide/euthanasia in both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
This legislation is at a preliminary stage in Westminster where MPs will be voting on a Bill introduced by the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater on the 28 November 2024. This bill will attempt to change the law and legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults within certain constraints in England and Wales.
In the Republic of Ireland, the Oireachtas debated a motion proposed by the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying which recommended legislative change on 17 October 2024. This vote was far from conclusive, demonstrating a clear divide on this fundamental and sensitive issue.
As a denomination we in the PCI have consistently opposed the introduction of legislation that allows for assisted suicide/euthanasia in either jurisdiction. We have a clearly stated and settled position on this matter based on our understanding of what the Scriptures teach and our confessional standards i.e., that all life is a precious gift from God, with which we cannot do as we feel fit.
We believe it would be extremely difficult to legislate well for assisted suicide/euthanasia given the complexities involved. Additionally, we have deep concerns about the good quality delivery of such services once we cross this rubicon. We also believe that no number of legal safeguards can ensure the safety of the most vulnerable in society should there be a change to the law. Furthermore, we believe that governments should prioritise investment in and provision of the best possible palliative care in the UK and Ireland.
The Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia Task Group of the Council for Public Affairs wants to mobilise and equip everyone to engage with this on-going debate in a way which is informed, compassionate and nuanced. Along with others, the task group is working hard to produce Bible-based and life-affirming resources to be used as widely as possible. These resources are available on the Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia (AS/E) HUB specifically designated for this purpose and easily accessed at https://www.presbyterianireland.org/livinganddyingwell. The contents of this HUB will be kept under constant review as we respond to the changing challenges in this debate.
Practical steps for you to take:
1. Make this an urgent matter for prayer:
i) Pray that God would guide the consciences of all our MPs and TDs, Senators and members of the House of Lords, as they debate and vote on this important matter.
ii) Pray for all who engage with this sensitive issue publicly, privately and/or professionally.
iii) Pray that the necessary finances and resources would be made available so that we can offer the best possible palliative care services
iv) Pray that hospices in the UK will be exempted from the increased employer’s national insurance contributions proposed in the October 2024 budget.
2. Write to your local MP or TD, Senator or local member of the House of Lords. Depending on their stated position on this matter you can either ask them to vote/speak against any proposed legislative change on the law surrounding assisted suicide/euthanasia or thank them for the work they are already doing to oppose such changes taking place. In the UK you could also urge your MP to make sure that hospices are exempted from the increased employer’s national insurance contributions proposed in the October 2024 budget.
– PCI Council of Public Affairs