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The Catholic Union is encouraging its members and supporters to make their voices heard in a new Parliamentary inquiry into assisted suicide. The House of Commons Health and Care Committee recently launched an inquiry into assisted dying/assisted suicide with a call for evidence open until 20 January 2023.

In response to the inquiry, the Catholic Union has launched a short survey giving people the opportunity to share their views and experiences - the Catholic Union is encouraging those with a particular interest or expertise to submit evidence directly to the Committee, which is made up of a cross-party group of MPs.

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Nigel Parker, Director of the Catholic Union, comments: “2023 is likely to be a significant year in our efforts to oppose assisted dying. The inquiry from the Health and Care Committee is the latest attempt to ratchet up pressure for a change in the law. It’s vital that there is a strong response from the Church to this inquiry, including from the laity. The arguments against assisted suicide are as strong as ever, and Catholic medical professionals and others are well placed to make the case. I encourage our members and supporters to take part in our survey so that we can draw on as wide a range of views and expertise as possible in our submission to the inquiry. We’re determined to make sure the voice of the Catholic laity is heard on this vital issue.”

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The Committee is expected to report and make recommendations to the UK Government in spring next year with responses from the survey responses shaping the Union’s evidence to the inquiry.

You can access the survey here.

‍Information on bereavement or how to support someone who is dying can be found on the Art of Dying Well website here. The Diocese has a trained network of bereavement supporters based across our parishes, you can find out more about this by talking to your parish priest or contacting our Marriage and Family Life Project Officer, Simon South.