The parliamentary process to legalize euthanasia in the United Kingdom is “deeply flawed,” said Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster.
The cardinal penned a pastoral letter that will be read at Masses throughout the United Kingdom the weekend of April 5 and 6.
Catholics should be contacting their members of parliament (MP) to state their opposition to the legalization of assisted suicide, he said.
“It is a fundamental duty of every MP to ensure that legislation is not imposed on our society which has not been properly scrutinised and which will bring about damaging consequences,” the cardinal said in the letter, which was published on the Diocese of Westminster website.
“So I appeal to you: even if you have written before, please make contact now with your MP and ask them to vote against this Bill not only on grounds of principle but because of the failure of Parliament to approach this issue in an adequate and responsible manner,” he said.
Time for debate was minimal
The legislation, called the “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill,” is “long and complex,” and was published without sufficient time for MPs to read and digest it prior to voting, said Cardinal Nichols.
He continued, “The time for debate was minimal. The Committee examining the Bill took only three days of evidence: not all voices were heard, and it comprises an undue number of supporters of the Bill.”
This, said Cardinal Nichols, is “no way to legislate on such an important and morally complex issue.”
Unanswered questions
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will likely have its Third Reading and vote by the end of the month of April, said Cardinal Nichols – adding that there are many serious questions that have not yet been addressed.
These include specifics regarding the scope of the bill, and if it could be expanded.
“In almost every country where assisted suicide has been introduced the current scope is wider than was originally intended,” warned Cardinal Nichols. “What role, if any, will the judiciary have in the process? We were told that judicial oversight was a necessary and vital part of the process; now we are told it isn't needed at all.”
The prelate further raised concerns about the possibility of the vulnerable feeling coerced to end their lives, or that doctors will be compelled to take part in euthanasia against their wishes.
“Would this mean the establishment of a ‘national death service’?” asked Nichols.
Rather than euthanasia and assisted suicide, said Nichols, doctors should instead provide “first-class, compassionate palliative care” to those who are dying.
“This is already provided to many in our society but, tragically, is in short supply and underfunded. No-one should be dispatched as a burden to others. Instead, a good society would prioritise care for the elderly, the vulnerable, and the weak. The lives of our families are richer for cherishing their presence,” he said.
