Legalising ‘assisted suicide’ would undermine the end of life care of all suffering with terminal illness, according to the Irish Catholic Bishops. Campaigners for euthanasia in Ireland already admit they want euthanasia for more than for those nearing death.

In a statement, the Bishops say the final weeks of terminal illness can be a time to experience human and spiritual growth.

“Faced with the reality of their own mortality, they can and do come to understand themselves better, and to experience the love of family members and friends. This can be a time when old hurts are healed and people find inner peace”.

They say a decision to end life prematurely cuts off any prospect of growth or healing and represents a failure of hope.

They add that consideration must be given to the impact of legislation as it “would contribute to undermining the confidence of people who are terminally ill, who want to be cared for and want to live life as fully as possible until death naturally comes”.

It would also undermines a fundamental principle of civilised society, “that no person can lawfully take the life of another”.

They also express “little confidence” that proposed restrictions would offer any real protection, particularly for those who are most vulnerable, including people with intellectual disabilities.