The Anscombe Bioethics Centre writes:
The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has launched an Inquiry into assisted suicide, and is inviting comments from individual members of the public and interested organisations, and also to suggest what actions might be helpful for the debate. Options include a “Citizens’ Assembly”, further independent research, or a referendum.
Assisted suicide presents profound dangers to public safety and the common good, and so it is crucial that as many people as possible engage with the Parliamentary Inquiry and oppose the introduction of assisted suicide into UK law.
It is especially important that those who respond should oppose the idea of a “Citizens’ Assembly” or referendum on this issue, as these are easily abused to try to legalise assisted suicide.
The timeframe for answering the consultation is a short one. Submissions must be in by Friday 20 January but happily the format of the Inquiry is simple, and not time-consuming – just six questions. To aid public engagement, the Anscombe Bioethics Centre has produced a short two-page Briefing to help anyone interested in responding, whether as an individual or as an organisation.
We encourage as many people as possible to contribute their own submission to the Inquiry, so as to inform public and Parliamentary debate, and help maintain a more just and compassionate society.
Anyone with any questions can contact the Anscombe Centre at [email protected].