Posted by We believe in better care and support for those in the closing stages of life, and campaign against all forms of assisted suicide and euthanasia.
End of life – Christian Concern
Human life is uniquely valuable and sacred since all people are created in the image of God. People who are suffering and near the end of life should be cared for properly and not put under any pressure to end their lives.
As it stands in the UK it is an offence under the Suicide Act 1961 to encourage or assist another person to commit suicide or attempt suicide. This is a helpful safeguard to protect weak and vulnerable people from being abused or pressured to end their lives.
There have been several attempts to change the law, all of which have so far been resisted in parliament as the facts and arguments are made. There have also been a number of high-profile court cases seeking to win the right to assisted suicide, where judges have rightly concluded that this is not how the law should be changed.
Legalising euthanasia or assisted suicide is unnecessary, dangerous, and wrong. It is unnecessary because alternative treatments are available. Good palliative care should be available for all. Killing is not care – it is not kinder to kill than to care.
It is dangerous because when people are ill, they are vulnerable and can easily be pressured to making decisions that they may later regret. Society should protect the weak and vulnerable, rather than allowing them to be killed.
It is wrong because it devalues human life which is sacred. All historical codes of ethics have agreed that euthanasia is wrong. Disability organisations consistently oppose assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Christian Concern seeks to speak up for the weak and vulnerable by campaigning against the legalisation of euthanasia or assisted suicide.
Booklets
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Key articles
Latest assisted suicide bill offers no better safeguards
Belgian euthanasia law ‘failing’ say Belgian academics
The tragic case of RS: why his life and his death matter
Man who wanted to live is left to die after court ruling
Forced euthanasia? From Alfie Evans to MSP
The anti-Christian heart of assisted suicide
Videos
Gospel Issues: Should Christians support the ‘right to die’? – Dr Peter Saunders
Round the Table: Is assisted suicide compassionate?
Testimonies
‘I wake up in the night thinking they are taking the tube out of my daughter’