31 May 2023 , 11:19
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Assisted dying is an “act of great generosity, kindness and human love”, says the former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey - and we want to know what YOU think.
Lord Carey is calling on the Government to discuss changing the law on assisted dying, adding that it is “profoundly Christian” to stop people suffering.
Writing to the Health and Social Care Committee, he said: “Assisted dying is only for those who show a clear minded and persistent resolution to seek it; that it is within the capabilities of medical science to end intolerable suffering peacefully and that it is an act of great generosity, kindness and human love to help those when it is the will of the only person that matters – the sufferer himself.”
This comes as members of the Commons health select committee are taking a fresh look at legislation around assisted dying.
Lord Carey’s stance on the topic opposes the official view of the Church of England, who have warned that allowing assisted dying would lead to tens of thousands of elderly people being pressured to end their lives each year.
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Justin Welby, the current Archbishop of Canterbury, warned in 2021 that a law-change would be “unsafe” and “no amount of safeguards” could protect vulnerable people.
Carey - the most senior bishop in the Church of England from 1991 to 2002 - has urged the Committee to “send the message that we live in a compassionate society that has the courage to confront complexity, not one that bases its rules on fear or misunderstanding.”
The 87-year-old first spoke about the subject in 2014, after hearing of Tony Nicklinson, who begged for the right to die after he was paralysed in 2005. He died in 2012, aged 58, after refusing food.
Assisted dying is currently legal in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland and several US states.
Amid the growing calls for a fresh look at the UK's policy toward assisted dying , we want to know what you think. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.