Archbishop of Canterbury Criticizes Assisted Dying Proposal as “Dangerous”
The Archbishop of Canterbury has labeled the concept of assisted dying as “dangerous,” cautioning that it could initiate a “slippery slope” where more individuals might feel pressured to choose medical assistance in ending their lives.
Speaking with the BBC prior to the first parliamentary reading of a bill aimed at granting terminally ill patients in England and Wales the option to end their lives, the head of the Church of England expressed his concerns.
Archbishop Welby remarked that he was unfazed by opinion polls indicating that the Church of England is significantly misaligned with public sentiment on this issue.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who will introduce her assisted dying bill to Parliament on Wednesday, countered the archbishop’s “slippery slope” argument, stating her disagreement with his perspective on assisted dying.
Understanding the Current Law on Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
As Members of Parliament prepare for their first vote on assisted dying in nine years, secular organizations in the UK have consistently urged for a separation of religious influence from the assisted dying discussion, including calls for senior bishops to relinquish their voting privileges in the House of Lords on this matter.
“For three decades as a priest, I’ve sat beside patients at their bedsides. Many have expressed their desire for a loved one—be it their mother, daughter, or brother—to end their suffering because the situation has become unbearable,” Archbishop Welby shared.
He emphasized that he did not wish to induce guilt in those contemplating such decisions, recalling moments from his teenage years when he harbored similar thoughts regarding his own father during his final days.
“What I’m conveying is that introducing this legislation may lead to a broader interpretation where individuals who are not terminally ill might feel pressured to request it,” he noted.
The archbishop also reflected on the passing of his 93-year-old mother, Jane, who felt as though she was a “burden.” He expressed concern over how many others might feel compelled to seek assisted dying if they experienced similar sentiments.
Archbishop Welby observed a notable decline over his lifetime in the belief that “everyone, regardless of their utility, holds equal value in society.” He pointed out that the disabled, ill, and elderly are often neglected, which could affect their access to assisted dying.
One of his recent predecessors, Lord George Carey, has been a prominent advocate for the legalization of assisted dying within the Anglican community.
However, during the last General Synod vote on assisted dying in 2022, only 7% of the Church of England’s national assembly supported a change in the law.
In contrast, various public opinion polls over the past years in the UK have consistently shown majority support for legalizing assisted dying, with approval ratings ranging from 60% to 75%.
“There will be individuals who view this and assert that the Church is completely disconnected from reality, feeling that it does not represent their views and will consequently avoid the Church. Nonetheless, we do not make decisions based on opinion polls,” the Archbishop of Canterbury remarked.
Recently, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, urged Catholics to reach out to their MPs to voice their opposition to assisted dying.
The Church of England, being the “established Church” in England, holds the privilege of having 26 bishops and archbishops who automatically receive seats in the House of Lords and can vote on legislative matters.
The presence of these religious leaders in parliament has raised questions regarding their influence over state matters, particularly concerning assisted dying.
Before introducing her assisted dying bill, Kim Leadbeater told Victoria Derbyshire on BBC Newsnight, “There must be medical and judicial safeguards in place.”
“I firmly believe a change in the law is necessary. However, it’s essential to get the details right. This legislation specifically pertains to terminally ill individuals, not to those with disabilities or mental health conditions. It is focused solely on terminally ill patients,” she emphasized.
