The Winter 2024 edition of the Social Issues Bulletin is available

Assisted suicide and the risk to vulnerable lives

This edition of our Social Issues Bulletin addresses critical debates surrounding assisted suicide, euthanasia, and broader bioethical challenges, offering a distinctly orthodox Christian perspective. Through a combination of articles, personal reflections, and book reviews, contributors provide thoughtful analysis of the ethical, social, and theological implications of current legislation and cultural trends. We strongly emphasise the sanctity of human life, the value of holistic palliative care, and the need for compassionate advocacy in the face of societal pressures to legalise assisted dying.

The Bulletin also draws lessons from international contexts, such as Canada’s troubling experience with euthanasia, and highlights the dangers of inadequate safeguards and healthcare inequalities. Alongside these discussions, it explores bioethical concerns like the treatment of surplus human embryos and advancements in synthetic human embryo research.

Through its specialist contributions, the Bulletin challenges Christians to engage with these pressing issues prayerfully and practically, advocating for justice and dignity while proclaiming the hope of the gospel.

With the UK parliament reconsidering assisted suicide, James Mildred highlights shifting political and cultural attitudes, while also noting significant opposition from key MPs and cautious media coverage. He urges readers to advocate against legalising assisted suicide and to prioritise investment in palliative care as a compassionate alternative.

Christian Medical Fellowship’s Steve Fouch examines Canada’s rapid expansion of euthanasia laws, revealing how inadequate safeguards and poor access to social and palliative care have led to troubling outcomes. He warns the UK to avoid replicating these failures by focusing on improving healthcare systems instead of legalising assisted suicide.

Graham Nicholls reflects on personal experiences with end-of-life care, emphasising the dignity inherent in natural death and the lessons it offers. He argues against assisted suicide, stressing its potential to harm familial relationships and medical care standards while urging patience and faith through suffering.

Lucy Honeysett shares her experiences as a palliative care nurse, affirming the intrinsic worth of every individual, regardless of ability or condition. She calls for greater investment in health and social care to ensure the vulnerable receive compassionate, life-affirming support rather than resorting to assisted suicide.

In his regular piece, Dr Calum MacKellar discusses key bioethical topics, including the UK’s proposed assisted suicide bill and the ethical dilemmas posed by surplus human embryos in storage. He critiques the commodification of human reproductive materials and raises concerns about emerging guidelines for synthetic human embryo models.

We close the Issue with two book reviews, Tim Dieppe reviews J. Cameron Fraser’s Evangelicals and Abortion, which traces the modern evangelical pro-life movement and critiques its theological and practical challenges. And James Mildred commends John Wyatt’s Right to Die? for its compelling Christian response to euthanasia and assisted suicide.

We also bring you the latest news on significant individual cases the Christian Legal Centre is involved in, illustrating how bioethical debates and legislative decisions impact real lives. These stories serve as a reminder of the human dignity at the heart of these issues and the importance of advocating for justice and compassionate care in the public square.

We’re grateful for the contributions to this excellent Issue of The Bulletin and believe you will find it insightful and practical.

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The Social Issues Bulletin 57