The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2026 was defeated at Second Reading on Friday, 11 September 2026. This section retains content explaining why the Catholic Church opposes assisted suicide.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2026 was defeated at Second Reading on Friday, 11 September 2026.
Archbishop John Sherrington, the Archbishop of Liverpool and Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Bishops’ Conference, has offered his gratitude and thanks to those who wrote to their MPs to stop this Bill from progressing through parliament.
Archbishop Sherrington also expressed his gratitude to disability rights groups and legal and healthcare professionals for raising a collective voice to uphold “the dignity and sanctity of every life.”
The Bill failed after Second Reading by 270 (Yes) votes to 286 (No) – a majority of 16.
For statements, information and other content relating to legislation, Catholic teaching and other matters can be found in our Assisted Suicide archive.
Some frequently asked questions on Church teaching and the stance on euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Our written evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee Inquiry into Assisted Suicide, submitted in January 2023, offers ten clear reasons to oppose assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Encyclicals, Church Teachings and letters from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith all with a focus on End of Life Issues
