Churches call on Senedd to reject Legislative Consent Motion on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
Cytûn, Churches Together in Wales, has called on Members of the Senedd to vote against the Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) relating to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill when it is debated (currently scheduled for the 24th February 2026). In a statement issued today, the national ecumenical body representing Christian churches across Wales concluded that the LCM should not be granted, citing unresolved concerns about the Bill’s provisions and respect for devolved healthcare competences.
The statement acknowledges that views on assisted dying vary across Cytûn’s member denominations, but notes that several significant churches—including the Catholic Church, the Church in Wales, the Methodist Church, the Salvation Army, and the Presbyterian Church of Wales—have expressed opposition to the principle of assisted suicide. Cytûn emphasises that denominations which have not issued formal positions, often as a matter of ecclesiological principle, should not be interpreted as supporting the legislation. The absence of an official statement does not indicate approval.
Cytûn’s statement highlights that substantial concerns raised by healthcare professionals, palliative care experts, and both Senedd scrutiny committees remain unaddressed. More than 250 Welsh doctors and health professionals have described the Bill as “deeply flawed”, while the Senedd’s Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee raised serious questions about the constitutional implications of the Welsh Government’s “narrow approach” to determining which provisions require Senedd consent. Concerns about Welsh language provision, workforce capacity, and the impact on palliative care funding have also not been satisfactorily resolved. Cytûn emphasises the urgent need for the Welsh Government to prioritise investment in comprehensive palliative care services rather than diverting resources to implementing assisted dying legislation. Significantly expanding access to high-quality palliative and end-of-life care would provide genuine compassionate support for terminally ill individuals and their families across Wales.
Cytûn further notes that in October 2024, the Senedd voted against a motion supporting assisted dying, with opposition from members across all major parties including several Welsh Government Ministers. The ecumenical body argues that granting legislative consent would not respect this clearly expressed view, nor the prerogatives of the Senedd and Welsh Government for the provision of healthcare in Wales. Cytûn calls on Members to vote against the LCM to ensure that the recommendations of Senedd committees and the concerns of the Welsh people are properly respected.
To read the detailed statement consult our policy resources page.