The Archbishop of Liverpool (England), John Sherrington, who is responsible for life issues at the Conference of Bishops of England and Wales, has expressed his deep disappointment at the reintroduction in the British Parliament of the bill on end of life for adults with terminal illnesses (Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill). The text, which will likely be debated again in the House of Commons next September, seeks to legalize assisted suicide in certain circumstances.
In a public declaration, the prelate has reiterated the Catholic Church’s opposition to the initiative and asked the parliamentarians to reject a proposal that, in his view, presents serious legal, medical and ethical deficiencies, as well as putting the most vulnerable people at risk.
Complete declaration of Archbishop John Sherrington:
«I am deeply disappointed at the reintroduction in the House of Commons of the bill on end of life for adults with terminal illnesses, which previously did not succeed in advancing. It is likely that it will be re-debated in September.
The Catholic Church opposes this bill on grounds of principle and joins many other people, believers and non-believers, in affirming that we should not cross this threshold.
The recent debate on this initiative showed in how much many people considered that the proposed legislation, even accepting it in principle, was defective and left many issues unresolved. The majority obtained in the House of Commons was reduced between the different readings of the bill, while the House of Lords identified numerous deficiencies and problems inherent in bad legislation.
Many professional organizations spoke against this bill, among them the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Physicians, whose members would be forced to participate in the procedures proposed by the law. The disability rights advocacy groups, those fighting against eating disorders and those working against domestic violence also expressed deep concern and considered this proposal dangerous.
The concerns raised are still unresolved. The bill undermines the conscience freedom of healthcare professionals and worker<|eos|>