Update: Assisted suicide amendment voted down, DIY abortion vote passes

I know it’s very late, but I just wanted to let you know about developments in the House of Lords. As you know, amendments were tabled to the Health and Care Bill on both assisted suicide and DIY abortion. 

On Wednesday evening, Peers voted down Lord Forsyth’s amendment, which would have compelled the Government to bring forward a bill to legalise assisted suicide. The amendment was defeated by 179 votes to 145. This is a great relief. Trying to force the Government to legislate on a controversial issue like this was completely improper, and it is good that Peers recognised this. This episode just shows that activists will go to any lengths to promote assisted suicide. 

We have now have news on Baroness Sugg’s amendment on DIY abortion. After a lengthy debate, a vote was called just before 1am. Unfortunately, despite some strong speeches from pro-life peers, and opposition from the Government minister, the vote was carried by 75 votes to 35. 

It is very disappointing that a Healthcare bill has been hijacked to promote something that is not healthcare by any definition. It is also disappointing that Peers have ignored the overwhelming results of the public consultation, including the 45% of women who actually accessed pills by post who said that a return to face to face services would have advantages (compared to 22% who thought there would be disadvantages. 

The fight doesn’t end here – this amendment will now go to the Commons. We will let you know in the coming days what you can do to lobby your MP to ensure that this dreadful policy is consigned to history – where it belongs. 

Thank you for standing with us for life.