Last June, the UK House of Commons passed the Terminally Ill Adults Bill by a narrow margin of 314 votes in favor and 291 votes against it.

The assisted dying Bill states that adults in England and Wales with less than six months left to live, and in full possession of their mental faculties, would have the right to end their own lives.

In orden to do that, they must make two statements of their “clear and informed” intention, and obtain the support of two doctors who confirm that they meet the conditions and have not been coerced into the decision.

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Then, a psychiatrist, a social worker and a lawyer must approve it, and the person would have a final “reflection period” of between 48 hours and 14 days before assisted death could be granted.

The Bill is currently being considered for approval in the House of Lords, the upper house, and if it is passed, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) would have to set up a specialist assisted dying service.

Assisted dying in Wales

However, the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) has to vote on whether the legislation can be implemented by the Welsh National Health Service.

While the Senedd cannot block the Bill in Wales, it can withhold legislative consent. Without the Senedd's consent, there could still be a legal right to seek an assisted death in Wales in future, but it would not be provided by the Welsh NHS.

The vote is due to take place on 24 February.

Faith leaders joint statement

That is why faith leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities in Wales have joined to issue a statement, calling on the Senedd to “withhold consent for this Bill and to continue to promote policies which truly uphold the value of life until its natural end”.

The signatories point out that they “share a common heritage of caring for the vulnerable, the sick and dying, and must speak up for those who will be most affected by this legislation”.

They warn that “if this Bill is implemented in Wales, many will feel insecure about the future and conclude that they are a burden on loved ones and the health service”.

“Cherishing life means building a society where nobody is seen as a burden. We must treasure and value the vulnerable, the sick and the dying among us”, adds the statement.

Faith leaders urge the Senedd to “promote excellent palliative care, including support for the hospice movement”, as Wales “has a long and proud tradition of compassion and of valuing the dignity of every human life”.

They also ask people in Wales to “write to, or email” their local MPs to “encourage them to withhold consent for this Bill when it comes before the Senedd”.

“True compassion does not mean ending a life. It means accompanying those who suffer, easing their pain, supporting families, and ensuring that no one feels abandoned, a burden, or without worth”, concludes the joint statement.

The statement is signed by Tim Rowlands, head of the Evangelical Alliance (EAUK) in Wales; Rev Dyfrig Rees, president of the Free Church Council of Wales; the Church of Wales and Catholic archbishops; and other Anglican and Catholic bishops, as well as Sikh, Jewish, Islamic and Hindu representatives.

Wales health workers: “A deeply flawed Bill”

In addition to the faith leaders, over 250 doctors and health workers recently signed an open letter, urging Welsh politicians “to decline legislative consent connected to this deeply flawed Bill”.

According to the signatories, “the Bill’s definition of terminal illness fails to recognize the risks from mistaken diagnosis or misinformation”, and “accurate prognostication is impossible”.

“Patients will be eligible to access lethal drugs if they feel a burden or because of a lack of services. Coercion is often covert and difficult to detect, particularly when undue influence comes from family or from a person with authority”, warns the letter.

For Welsh health workers, “those who are distressed as they face a terminal illness deserve better. We know that care provision currently fails too many, but this Bill is not the answer”.

Scotland: Last stage of the vote

The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill in Scotland is currently at Stage 3, facing a final debate and vote, which is expected before the parliamentary session ends in March 2026.

Those applying for assisted death must be “capable of understanding information and advice about the process and to make, communicate, understand and remember their decision”.

They have to sign an initial declaration that requires assessment by two independent doctors to confirm “eligibility, mental capacity, and ensure no coercion”.

If they want to continue, the person would make a second declaration, and the authorised health professional would give them an “approved substance” that the patient must self-administer in the presence of a qualified professional.

Last year, leaders from over 60 churches across all Scotland also signed a letter to Scottish Parliament members (MSPs) asking them to stop the bill on assisted dying.

“This Bill, in our view, undermines the value of life and lacks the safeguards needed to protect those most at risk from being coerced into premature death”, they warned.

The EAUK also addresses the risks such a law would have for women suffering domestic abuse, conscientious objection, and the view of the professionals of palliative care services.