The American Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube controversy has recently raised debate on euthanasia and "living will" across the world. Struggling between the so-called "right-to-die" and a general Christian ethic to respect life regardless of its stage and condition, pro-lifers in the UK has unanimously voiced their concern over the proposed Mental Capacity Bill which is now undergoing legal proceedings in the British Parliament to be added to the statute book.
The proposed Mental Capacity Bill introduced by Constitutional Affairs Minister David Lammy claims to reinforce the rights of the mentally incapacitated patients who are terminally ill or dying. Under the bill, these patients will be able to appoint a relative or friend to make future decisions on their behalf and will allow people with no-one to act for them to leave instructions regarding their future treatment.
UK’s leading Christian pro-life groups, such as the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) and the Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF), however have expressed worry that due to the complex circumstances that may arise in each single case, it is impossible for the proposed bill to lay down the necessary safeguard to prevent abuse of the Bill. Thus, the Bill would mean "legalising euthanasia by neglect and assisted suicide for vulnerable adults".
On Wednesday 24th March, the Mental Capacity Bill was approved by the House of the Lords without a division in the third reading, partly due to the departure of many Lords for the Easter Holiday.
SPUC and CMF are both very concerned and are looking to the next opportunity to protest against the current move. CMF and Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF) will continue to urge the House of Lords to accept an amendment to the Mental Capacity Bill which would ensure that people granted power of attorney are not given authority to make life and death healthcare decisions on behalf of mentally incapacitated patients.
Earlier, a pro-life amendment to restrict lasting powers of attorney was defeated 118 to 18. The Bill will now return to the House of Commons on 5th April for the Commons to consider amendments made by the Government to the Bill in the House of Lords.
