Assisted Suicide Inquiry

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The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has launched an inquiry into assisted suicide and is inviting individual members of the public and interested organisations to comment, and also to suggest what actions might be helpful for the debate. All parishes have been asked by the bishops to participate in this enquiry.

Assisted suicide presents profound dangers to public safety and the common good, and so it is crucial that as many people as possible engage with the Parliamentary Inquiry and oppose the introduction of assisted suicide into UK law. It is especially important that those who respond should oppose the idea of a 'Citizens' Assembly' or referendum on this issue, as these are easily abused to try to legalise assisted suicide.

"All life has inestimable value even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God's creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect." (Pope Francis, July 28, 2013)

"More and more lonely elderly people exist in big cities, even in situations of serious illness and close to death. In such situations, the pressure of euthanasia is felt, especially when a utilitarian vision of the person creeps in. In this regard, I take this opportunity to reaffirm once again the firm and constant ethical condemnation of every form of direct euthanasia, in accordance with the Church's centuries-old teaching." (Pope Benedict XVI, February 25 2008)

The Catholic Church is clear that we can never assist in taking the life of another, even if they request it. Our call is one for assistance in living and not assistance in committing suicide.

Statements of the Bishops' Conference: www.cbcew.org.uk/category/cbcew/life-issues/assisted-dying/

The Anscombe Centre have produced a statement and resources about this Inquiry: https://bioethics.org.uk/news-events/news-from-the-centre/anscombe-centre-statement-on-commons-hsc-committee-inquiry-into-assisted-suicide/.

The timeframe for answering the consultation is a short one. Submissions must be in by Friday 20 January but happily the format of the Inquiry is simple, and not time-consuming - just six questions.

To participate in the inquiry, please visit: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/M66AML/