RMC Briefing: The place of religion in the assisted dying debate

Religion Media Centre Podcast

A bill to allow assisted dying in England and Wales will be put before the Commons on 16 October, the first time in nine years that MPs will have had the chance to vote on the issue. The Lords have debated it many times, but in all cases, the measures have been defeated. This time, with a new intake of Labour MPs, and support from the Prime Minister for a free vote, there is hope among supporters that it will progress.

But this Religion Media Centre briefing shows there remains entrenched opposition, including from bishops, amid concern that disabled and vulnerable people will feel under pressure and safeguards will slip over time.

In Islam, assisted suicide is absolutely prohibited, which will pose problems for the 10 per cent of medical professionals who are Muslim.

The briefing addressed the theological argument that life is sacred, with a view that this is not just about deities or the afterlife, but extends to things held sacred in society such as a commitment to one another and once the red line has been crossed, it's gone. The discussion also made clear that people of faith take different positions on the issue but share a key concern to help people who die in pain.

Those in favour spoke of the importance of giving people options and a choice. There was a reminder of the current reality that people are already killing themselves or dying agonising deaths and doctors are already making decisions which end life, such as switching off life support machines. Hosted by Ruth Peacock, speakers include:

• Kit Malthouse, Conservative MP for North West Hampshire
• Bishop Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells
• Prof Julian Hughes, Bristol Medical School, retired consultant in old age psychiatry and editor of 'The Reality of Assisted Dying: Understanding the Issues'
• Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, chair of the Religious Alliance for Dignity in Dying
• Nathan Stilwell, Campaigns and Communications Manager Humanists UK
• Canon Dr Malcolm Brown, The Director of Faith and Public Life
• Dr Nick Spencer, senior fellow Theos Think Tank
• Dr Azim Ahmed, Secretary General Muslim Council of Wales

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