UK assisted‑dying bill meets opposition from senior church leaders

The UK Parliament has scheduled a second reading of a bill that would legalise assisted dying for adults with incurable, terminal illnesses. The debate will take place in the House of Commons on 11 September.

Archbishop John Sherrington, the senior Catholic figure for England and Wales, has called for the legislation to be rejected, warning that it could endanger the most vulnerable patients, undermine the trust between doctors and patients, and expose the elderly to pressure to choose death. He also highlighted insufficient safeguards and the potential negative impact on hospice care and on the conscience rights of medical staff. The British Medical Association and the Royal College of Psychiatrists have voiced similar concerns.

The bill remains controversial, with supporters arguing for greater autonomy at the end of life and opponents stressing ethical and safety risks.