Relief as peers reject 'underhand' move to introduce assisted suicide legislation

Christian campaigners have expressed their relief after the House of Lords voted down an "underhand" attempt to introduce assisted suicide legislation.

An amendment to the Health and Care Bill was lodged by Lord Forsyth and would have forced ministers to bring forward a bill.

It was rejected by 179 votes to 145 on Wednesday evening.

Ross Hendry, CEO of CARE, called the amendment "highly cynical".

"First, it sought to use vital health and care proposals as a Trojan horse. And second, it sought to force the government's hand on a highly contentious matter that should rightly be left to parliament," he said.

"Campaigners are seeking to exclude important voices from this debate – particularly disabled groups, the elderly, and those experiencing terminal illness. And they are evading clear evidence about the dangers of 'assisted dying', shown clearly in other jurisdictions."

CARE has been campaigning against attempts to change the law on assisted suicide.

Hendry said that legalising the practice would place "invisible pressure" on the sick and vulnerable, and that promised "safeguards" would be "ineffective" as laws "are inevitably widened over time".

"We recognise that there are strong feelings on both sides of the debate concerning 'assisted dying', and that many proponents are motivated by compassion," he said.

"However, unsafe, and unethical interventions are not the answer. The prescription of lethal drugs is not a moral response to suffering and permitting it would undermine the safety, dignity, and equality of many groups."

Ciarán Kelly, of The Christian Institute, said the defeat of the amendment to the Health and Care Bill was "a great result".

"This is now the twelfth time since 1997 that proposals for assisted suicide related laws have not been passed by UK Parliamentarians," he said.

"It stops a real threat to the lives of vulnerable people in its tracks. No one should be put under pressure to end their life for fear of being a financial, emotional or care burden on others."

News
Trump’s midterm defeat and its implications for Christians on both sides of the Atlantic
Trump’s midterm defeat and its implications for Christians on both sides of the Atlantic

America’s power and influence on the world stage, combined with Trump’s unpredictability and volatility, is a worrying mix.

Joshua Wong’s imprisonment condemned as Christian activist handed 10-year sentence
Joshua Wong’s imprisonment condemned as Christian activist handed 10-year sentence

Joshua Wong’s new 10-year prison sentence has drawn condemnation from politicians and human rights campaigners, who are calling for the Christian pro-democracy activist’s release.

Conversion therapy ban supporters want prayer to be criminalised - this must not be allowed
Conversion therapy ban supporters want prayer to be criminalised - this must not be allowed

Christians are already being prosecuted for silent prayer outside abortion clinics. A pernicious law like the one currently being considered in Parliament would only make things worse.

Why the US election results do not bode well for America
Why the US election results do not bode well for America

Only a return to genuine biblical Christianity can save America from itself.