The Archdiocese has welcomed the defeat of the assisted suicide Bill at Westminster and thanked parishioners who helped make their voices heard.
MPs rejected the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday by 286 votes to 270. The Bill would have introduced assisted suicide in England and Wales. (See how parliament voted here).
The result follows months of campaigning by groups concerned about the risks assisted suicide poses to people who are elderly, disabled, seriously ill or otherwise vulnerable.
Paul Atkin, Archdiocesan Pro-Life Officer, said: “This is excellent news. MPs have chosen to protect vulnerable people rather than introduce assisted suicide.
“I want to thank the many parishioners across our Archdiocese who played their part. People wrote and emailed their MPs, sent postcards, attended meetings and encouraged others to act.
“Those individual actions matter. Together, thousands of people sent a clear message to Parliament that vulnerable people deserve care and protection.”
Now let’s fix palliative care
The defeat of the Bill should now allow attention to turn to improving care for people approaching the end of life.
Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “Every human life possesses inherent value.
“Genuine compassion is not expressed through ending a life, but through accompanying those who suffer and ensuring they receive the medical, emotional, and spiritual support that recognises their dignity.”
He added: “Government must now work hard to strengthen palliative care by ensuring that it is properly funded and accessible to all who require it.” (RC Politics)
Paul said: “That must be our next priority. People facing serious illness need excellent palliative care, support for their families and the assurance that they will never be seen as a burden.”
How our MPs voted
The MPs representing constituencies within the Archdiocese voted as follows:
Voted Against assisted suicide
Scott Arthur: Edinburgh South West
Richard Baker: Glenrothes and Mid Fife
John Lamont: Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
David Mundell: Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Katrina Murray: Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
Kirsteen Sullivan: Bathgate and Linlithgow
Melanie Ward: Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Voted For assisted suicide
Douglas Alexander: Lothian East
Graeme Downie: Dunfermline and Dollar
Christine Jardine: Edinburgh West
Chris Kane: Stirling and Strathallan
Kirsty McNeill: Midlothian
Ian Murray: Edinburgh South
Susan Murray: Mid Dunbartonshire
Chris Murray: Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Gregor Poynton: Livingston
Euan Stainbank: Falkirk
Absent or Abstained:
Wendy Chamberlain: North East Fife
Tracy Gilbert: Edinburgh North and Leith
Brian Leishman: Alloa and Grangemouth
The Archdiocese thanks everyone who prayed and took action during the campaign, and especially those who contacted their MP.
The message now is simple: protect the vulnerable and invest in excellent palliative care. Read Bishop John Keenan’s full statement
