An examination of Euthanasia by the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship

Legislation is currently before Parliament in the form of the 'Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill' and the 'Mental Capacity Bill' which could introduce euthanasia as an acceptable method of coping with disease and suffering. The idea that "dignity"
in death could outweigh the right to life is a worrying development in the legal system, especially when the government claims to be opposed to euthanasia.

Last year Dr Nigel Sykes, Medical Director of St. Christopher's Hospice London, stated that only 3.5% of people dying from cancer are in favour of euthanasia. Even in the Netherlands, where euthanasia has been legal since 1984, over 90% of people living in nursing homes are opposed to euthanasia.

The Dutch know from experience and observation that once euthanasia is legalized, even in very carefully defined circumstances, it is impossible to regulate. In 2001, an official Dutch report showed that about 1,000 people in the Netherlands were killed by doctors without their explicit request. In another Dutch poll of elderly people, 60% were afraid that their lives would be terminated against their will. So great is the fear that some Dutch patients have even taken to crossing the border, going to German hospitals where euthanasia is illegal.

In Britain a recent poll of doctors showed that 76% would refuse to perform euthanasia.

It seems that out of those in favour of euthanasia the vast majority are people who are healthy and who would not have to be involved in the killing process.

Our society is built upon the Judeo-Christian principle that human life is sacred. This principle is enshrined in the criminal law and human rights law. Legalizing euthanasia would violate that principle and change the very basis of society's view of the elderly, the physically and mentally ill and the disabled. Studies in Oregon have shown that legalizing physician-assisted suicide has led to more people wanting to die because they feel a burden to their families or careers. In the Netherlands, parents of disabled babies hear statements such as 'What? Is that child still alive?' and 'Such a thing should have been given an injection'. The so-called 'right to die' quickly becomes a 'duty to die'. If legalizing euthanasia means such an attitude to human life could develop in Britain, we must oppose euthanasia with all our might.