Faith Leaders Warn Assisted Dying Bill Threatens Vulnerable Women

Over 100 women of faith, including bishops and representatives from various religious traditions, have signed an open letter expressing concerns about the assisted dying legislation in England and Wales, arguing it could endanger vulnerable women, particularly victims of domestic violence. They warn that the proposed legislation lacks sufficient safeguards against coercion, potentially allowing abusers to manipulate those in desperate situations into choosing assisted suicide. Evidence cited includes a report indicating that more domestic abuse victims die by suicide than are killed by their partners, highlighting the urgency of their concerns. While the faith leaders hold differing views on assisted dying, they unanimously agree that the bill, as it stands, fails to protect marginalized individuals. Critics of the legislation note that without proper oversight, the risk of coercion increases significantly, particularly for women in abusive relationships. The letter underscores the need for robust protections to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited under the guise of assisted dying.