Defeat of the Assisted Suicide Bill: There is a better way – PCI

On the day (11 September) that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was defeated in the House of Commons the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has welcomed the Bill’s defeat.

In a joint statement, PCI’s Moderator, Right Rev Dr Richard Kerr and the all-Ireland denomination’s convenor of its Council for Public Affairs, Rev Daniel Kane said, 

“We give thanks to God that this Bill has been defeated and will not now become law in England and Wales. Over the years we have consistently affirmed and reaffirmed the importance and innate dignity of every human life from conception to death as a precious gift from God.

“Following the completion of the initial stages of the Bill in the House of Commons in 2025, we said that it was ‘a profoundly dark turning point for the UK’. We are very thankful and relieved that despite the reintroduction of the Bill that MPs have voted against a fresh move to legalise assisted dying.

“While we acknowledge the disappointment felt by many people at the defeat of this Bill, we believe that a society that does not preserve and protect the dignity of each human life, especially the most vulnerable, loses something very precious. We strongly affirm our belief that the Gospel remains the greatest message, offering the hope of Jesus Christ in life and death.

The Moderator added, “As a Church we believe that there is a better way and, following my recent visit (10 September 2026) to the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, we once again call again for the mainstreaming, investing in, and strengthening of palliative care services across these islands that support those who are nearing the end of their lives.

Additionally, as a denomination, we acknowledge the dedication and commitment of all those who work in the palliative care sector, especially volunteers, who work tirelessly to raise funds and support this important service. 

Dr Kerr and Rev Kane concluded by saying, “PCI also believe that well-resourced palliative care is the safest, most dignified and compassionate way forward, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This is the true hallmark of a mature, caring and compassionate society, not the state’s ability to assist in the suicide of its citizens. Access to high quality palliative care should not be a postcode lottery nor depend primarily upon charitable fundraising.

“Where personal autonomy and individual choice have often driven this debate, we need to remember that in our humanity we are also spiritual beings, created for dependence, not self-sufficiency. Our comfort and confidence are found in the assurance of everlasting life, by God’s Grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”