Scotland’s Catholic Bishops: Westminster Assisted Suicide Bill Attacks Human Dignity and Must be Abandoned

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has strongly opposed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, urging UK Parliamentarians to abandon it in a submission to Bill’s Committee.

In their submission, the bishops argue that the Bill undermines human dignity, reducing the value of life to efficiency and utility. Compassion, they state, should mean supporting the vulnerable in times of suffering—not causing death.

The bishops highlight concerns over the Bill’s definition of terminal illness, where death is expected within six months, pointing out that it is “extremely challenging for doctors to provide an accurate prognosis.”

They argue that no assisted suicide law can guarantee safeguards won’t be eroded or that eligibility criteria won’t expand over time.

Deep concerns are raised about Section 4(2), which allows doctors to voluntarily suggest assisted suicide to patients. They also question whether vulnerable people will be truly free from coercion when making such a decision.

Finally, they warn that the Bill threatens end-of-life care by providing a “quick, cheap alternative to good palliative care” and undermines suicide prevention efforts by suggesting suicide is acceptable in certain cases.

You can read the full submission below.