Assisted Suicide: Not in my name

Assisted Suicide: Not in my name

This week, Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom began formal scrutiny of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide for terminally ill adults expected to die within six months. Despite significant opposition, the House of Commons has voted to give the bill a Second Reading, allowing it to progress further through Parliament. As someone who is both deeply involved in health care and ministry, I feel compelled to speak out.

I deliberately refer to this legislation as permitting assisted suicide rather than assisted dying because I believe the term used reflects the moral weight of what is at stake. As a Registered Nurse, a Salvation Army officer, and a person who has journeyed alongside loved ones facing chronic and terminal conditions, I am firmly opposed to this bill, noting I speak in a personal capacity and not on behalf of my regulatory body or royal college. 

At the core of the Christian worldview is the belief that every human life is a sacred gift from God. Scripture affirms this truth repeatedly, beginning in the creation narrative:

“So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female, blessed them, and said, ‘Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth’” (Genesis 1:27–28, GNT).

The psalmist reminds us:

“You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart.” (Psalm 139:13–14, GNT).

Each life is valuable because it bears the imprint of the Creator, and this intrinsic value does not diminish with illness, disability, or suffering.

Florence Nightingale once said, “The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.” This foundational principle of health care—primum non nocere (first, do no harm)—has guided medical ethics for centuries. Legalising assisted suicide fundamentally alters this principle. It invites health care professionals to become agents of death, undermining trust in the sanctity of the professions.

As a Christian, I view this shift as profoundly troubling. The Bible teaches that life and death ultimately rest in God’s hands:

“The Lord kills and restores to life; he sends people to the world of the dead and brings them back again.” (1 Samuel 2:6, GNT).

The commandment, “Do not kill” (Exodus 20:13, GNT), is clear. While this does not diminish the complexities and challenges of modern health care, it does set a moral boundary. Taking life—even with consent—crosses a line that cannot be blurred without grave consequences for individuals and society.

One of the most troubling aspects of this debate is the implication that dignity in death can only be achieved by ending life. I firmly disagree. True dignity comes from being cared for with compassion, respect, and love—even in the midst of suffering.

The Bible calls us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NIV). Journeying with those who are dying is not an easy task, but it is a sacred privilege. In my roles as a nurse and minister, I have witnessed the beauty of palliative and end of life care—when physical pain is managed, spiritual needs are met, and individuals are surrounded by love and support.

Another powerful argument against this bill is rooted in the role of government. A government’s first duty is to protect life, not destroy it. As one commentator said, “The first duty of government is the protection of life, not its destruction. Abandon that, and you have abandoned all.” Legalising assisted suicide introduces a dangerous precedent. If the state permits the intentional ending of life in one context, what prevents its extension to others?

Vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities or mental health challenges, may feel increased pressure to justify their continued existence. This is not dignity—it is a denial of their God-given worth.

While I agree that everyone should have the opportunity for a dignified death, I do not believe that assisted suicide is the way to achieve it. Instead, we must focus on improving access to high-quality palliative care, investing in research and treatment for terminal conditions, and providing better mental health support.

Jesus reminds us: “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, GNT). Our calling as Christians is to provide rest and relief—not through hastening death, but through love, care, and presence.

I do not apologise for my strong language because this is a matter of literal life and death. However, my opposition to this bill will always remain peaceful. I stand firm in the belief that every life, no matter how fragile or fleeting, is precious in God’s sight. As Paul wrote, “Let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest” (Galatians 6:9, GNT).

As Christians, I urge you as my brothers and sisters, to be advocates for life, offering hope and compassion in a world that so often chooses despair. Let us be voices for those who cannot speak, bearing witness to the beauty and sanctity of every human life.

This blog post is written with a heart that aches for those facing difficult end of life journeys and those advocating for what they believe to be a compassionate choice—I write in humility, recognising the heartbreaking choices many have to face. My prayer is that we, as a society, will find a better way to care for the dying without compromising the sanctity of life.