Originally published at The Crux
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British Prime Minister Andy Burnham dealt the assisted suicide movement a major setback in his country this past week, and UK bishops rightly welcomed the development, but Church leaders need to realize that the fight is far from over.
They need to be ready for what is most definitely coming.
Last week, Burnham said he thinks British lawmakers ought to fix the country’s “broken” palliative care and social care programs before debating assisted suicide.
“I think it is very challenging to introduce that wider debate in the context of people not receiving that care and having the peace of mind about that care. And that’s the way I kind of see this, and that’s the position I will stick to,” Burnham told Sky News.
His remark came during an exchange with reporters on the sidelines of a visit to a care home in London, and it took the wind out of efforts to move an assisted suicide bill through parliament.
Archbishop John Sherrington of Liverpool said it was “highly significant” that the prime minister gave his views.
“People who are dying are vulnerable and need compassionate care and spiritual accompaniment until their last breath,” he said.
