Nearly seven months after it was first debated, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has now completed all its stages in the House of Commons.
On Friday 20th June, the UK Parliament voted in favour of a bill that could legalise assisted dying – a major turning point in the country’s laws on life and death. The bill was passed with 314 votes to 291, marking one of the most significant social changes in Britain in decades. The margin was just 23 votes.
The new legislation allows mentally capable adults in England and Wales, aged 18 and over, who are terminally ill with six months or less to live, to choose to end their lives with medical assistance.
Outside the Houses of Parliament, emotions were running high as the result was announced. Supporters of the bill burst into cheers, clapping and hugging each other in celebration. However, not everyone shared in the celebration. Opponents stood in silence, some visibly distressed. For many, the concern is that legalising assisted dying could place pressure on the elderly, the seriously ill, or those who feel like a burden to choose death.
This vote comes a decade after similar legislation was last rejected. With countries such as Canada, Australia, and several U.S. states already having introduced assisted dying laws, Britain now appears to be following the same path.
There has also been discussion about the potential financial savings for the end-of-life care system — with estimates suggesting the NHS could save between £5.8 million and £59.6 million over ten years. But here’s the question: can you really put a price on a soul?
In the Gospel of John, we read about Lazarus, a man who became so sick that he died. His sisters, Mary and Martha, were devastated, yet they reached out to Jesus for help. Even though the situation seemed hopeless, they did not give up. And Jesus said something powerful: “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). They chose to believe and the miracle happened.
Maybe you’re facing something today that feels final. But what if, like Lazarus’, your situation isn’t the end? What if it’s the start of a miracle?
We invite you to join us this Tuesday at the ‘Novena of Prophecy,’ as a complement to the medical treatment you may be receiving. We will pray together, believe together, and speak life into situations that seem hopeless. We will declare that suffering will not have the final word and that your situation can glorify God.
Do you believe?
Disclaimer: The UCKG HelpCentre’s spiritual advice is to be seen as a complement to the scientifically proven treatment you may be receiving. The UCKG HelpCentre does not claim to heal people but believes that God can through the power of faith. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Event: Novena of Prophecy
Day and time: Tuesday 24th June at 7.30pm (also at 7am, 10am and 3pm)
Location: At your local Universal Church
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cg4ry0pge4kt
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/british-lawmakers-vote-landmark-assisted-dying-law-2025-06-19/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czjnzz7kvdlo
