Wales: Religious Communities Warn Against Legalization of Euthanasia

Shortly before a pivotal vote in the Welsh Parliament, leading representatives of several religious communities have urgently warned against the introduction of euthanasia. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus are making a joint appeal to parliamentarians to reject the bill to legalize assisted suicide. The Senedd's decision is scheduled for February 24, 2026 and could be groundbreaking for the future handling of euthanasia in Wales. This was reported by Vatican News. In their joint statement, the religious representatives emphasize that a compassionate society must not shorten life. Rather, the task is to comprehensively accompany the seriously ill, alleviate pain and preserve their dignity. Particular concern relates to the danger that elderly or sick people could feel indirectly pressured to end their lives in order to relieve relatives or the healthcare system.

Instead of legalization, the signatories demand a consistent expansion of palliative and hospice services to enable dignified dying until the end. At the same time, the religious communities are calling on the population to contact their representatives and position themselves against the legislative change. The broad interreligious alliance thus underscores the societal dimension of the decision.

Previously, UOJ reported that demand for euthanasia in Germany has increased.

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