Assisted dying idea is dangerous, bishop warns

The assisted dying bill will be debated by MPs before Christmas

The idea of assisted dying is "dangerous" and would leave "the most vulnerable feeling they have no value so might as well just go," the Bishop of Dover, the Right Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin has said.

Bishop Hudson-Wilkin echoed comments made by the Archbishop of Canterbury when she spoke to the BBC ahead of the assisted dying bill coming back before MPs.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill, told the BBC the proposal was for people who were terminally ill and suffering at the end of their lives.

Polling in recent years has consistently shown 60-75% of the British public supports such a law.

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Some right-to-die campaigners have argued the current bill does not go far enough.

Ms Leadbeater said the bill was only about terminally ill people, not people with disabilities or mental health conditions, and there would be clear criteria set for access, as well as medical and judicial safeguards.

Jane Nicklinson, the widow of a man from Kent who had locked-in syndrome after a stroke, said: "I'm worried people who are suffering will be forgotten as this bill only applies to people who are terminal."

Locked-in syndrome meant Mr Nicklinson was fully aware, but could not voluntarily move any muscle, except for some eye movements.

Mrs Nicklinson said: "His life was just unbearable for him."

He died in August 2012 after refusing food, not long after losing a High Court battle to allow doctors to end his life.

Bishop Hudson-Wilkin argued: "What kind of country would we be if we cannot support those dying? They're vulnerable and we shouldn't hasten their death."

In a warning to MPs, she said: "This is an important step" and urged them to "think of the long-term impact of the bill on society and the vulnerable if it's passed".

A second reading of the bill will be heard in Parliament on 29 November.

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