In recent years, countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and some U.S. states have legalised assisted dying under specific conditions. It has been legal in Switzerland since 1942 and in the Netherlands since 2002.
In 2023, 1,252 individuals chose to end their lives through the euthanasia association Exit in Switzerland, marking an 11% increase compared to 2022. Last month, Switzerland witnessed the first use of a controversial, futuristic-looking suicide capsule, sparking intense debate.
In contrast, both euthanasia and assisted suicide remain illegal in England. Under the Suicide Act of 1961, assisted suicide is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, while euthanasia can be considered manslaughter or murder, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
However, on Wednesday, 16 October, a debate sparked as campaigners for and against assisted dying gathered outside Parliament. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to the House of Commons. This marks the first time in nearly a decade that such a proposal has been considered. If passed, the law would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales the choice to end their lives with specific safeguards and protections. This proposal is expected to spark deep and emotionally charged debates in the coming weeks.
MPs will debate Leadbeater’s bill on 29 November with a free vote to decide based on their individual conscience.
As Parliament chooses whether you can end your life, you also have a choice: to change your life. Your current health situation may seem overwhelming, but one woman in the Bible made a single choice that transformed her life.
“Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.” For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” (Mark 5:25-28)
Her decision to act in faith changed everything because she believed. Are you stuck repeating the same actions, hoping for different results?
Alongside the medical treatment you may be receiving, take a step of faith. Join us for the Tuesday of Life meeting, where you’ll hear words that can lift your faith. The power of life and death is in the tongue—Come and speak life into your situation!
Event: Tuesday of Life
Date and time: Tuesday 22nd October at 7:30pm
Location: Your local Universal Church
Disclaimer: The UCKG HelpCentre’s spiritual advice is to be seen as a complement to the scientifically proven treatment you may be receiving. The UCKG HelpCentre does not claim to heal people but believes that God can through the power of faith. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/euthanasia-and-assisted-suicide/
https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3774
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/life-aging/swiss-assisted-suicides-rose-11-in-2023/49198616
