Assisted Dying Through a Christian Lens: A Call to Uphold Life

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On June 23 in the United Kingdom, the House of Commons passed the initial stage of legislation permitting terminally ill individuals to request and receive assisted suicide under specific safeguards and protections, along with related provisions. The subsequent vote tally will proceed to the House of Lords, followed by the Final Stages of the decision-making process. Diverse perspectives from Christian doctrines regarding the perilous ideas of not adhering to Mosaic Law's commandment "Thou shalt not murder," juxtaposed with a humanistic approach to honoring a loved one's dying wish, facilitate comprehensive discussions on the morality and ethical implications of this recently enacted first-round law. 

 

📄 Assisted Dying Through a Christian Lens: A Call to Uphold Life

 

Title: Assisted Dying Through a Christian Lens: A Call to Uphold Life
Author: Rita Kurtz
Affiliation: Personal Study inspired after a visit to the Houses of Parliament
Course or Department: Department of Psychology
Date: June 27, 2025
Author Note:
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to rita@PreferredTalent.com

Abstract

This paper examines the ethical, theological, and social implications of the United Kingdom's proposed assisted dying legislation through a Christian worldview. While proponents argue for personal autonomy and dignity, this analysis contends that legalizing assisted suicide undermines the sanctity of life and places vulnerable populations including the elderly, disabled, mentally ill, and ethnic minorities, at increased risk. Drawing from biblical principles and empirical research, including a thematic review by Paschke-Winnel et al. (2023), the argument emphasizes that emotional despair is often transient and should not serve as grounds for permanent, state-sanctioned death. Scripture teaches that all human life is sacred, even in suffering, and calls believers to bear one another’s burdens, not to end them (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, Galatians 6:2). The paper critiques the bill’s reliance on fluctuating emotional states to determine eligibility, arguing that such a foundation invites irreversible moral and societal consequences. Ultimately, the paper calls for compassionate alternatives rooted in presence, care, and hope, affirming that even amidst pain, life remains a divine gift worth preserving.

#endoflife #hospice #acallforaction #christianity #assisteddying

Assisted Dying Through a Christian Lens: A Call to Uphold Life

The current “assisted dying” bill in the United Kingdom may soon become law. But what does this legislation mean when viewed through the lens of Christian faith and moral responsibility?

Numerous scientific studies confirm what many people have experienced firsthand: individuals across society are silently enduring deep emotional pain—battling suicidal thoughts, depression, despair, and suffering they believe to be unbearable. In their darkest moments, many genuinely believe that their lives are no longer worth living. Some even come dangerously close to ending their lives.

This is precisely why the increasing campaign to legalize assisted dying is so concerning. To speak plainly, “assisted dying” is a sanitized phrase for what is, in truth, assisted suicide. This proposal is not about dignity—it is about giving up on the very people who most need support, presence, and hope. It suggests that when someone reaches the end of their rope, the best society can offer is an exit.

Most disturbing is the emotional and spiritual disconnection embedded in the legislation. It fundamentally misinterprets the nature of mental and emotional suffering. People in despair do not need help to die—they need help to live. They do not need affirmation of their pain—they need companionship and care. The Bible calls Christians to “Bear one another’s burdens” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/020, Galatians 6:2), not to eliminate the burden by eliminating the person.

Scripture is unequivocal: life is sacred—even when it is hard, even when it hurts. From beginning to end, life is a gift from God. The psalmist declares, “You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/020, Psalm 139:13). The commandment, “You shall not murder” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, Exodus 20:13), does not rest on how useful or independent a person is. It rests on the eternal truth that human life is “God-breathed” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, Genesis 2:7) and inherently holy.

Legalizing assisted suicide sends a dangerous message: that in moments of weakness, loss, or vulnerability, life becomes negotiable. That if someone feels like a burden, society will sanction their death rather than affirm their worth. But this is not mercy—it is abandonment. True mercy “does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, 1 Corinthians 13:6). Mercy leans into suffering; it does not walk away from it.

The passage of such a bill puts society’s most vulnerable at the greatest risk: the elderly, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and those who already struggle to access adequate mental health care. In many ethnic and immigrant communities suffering is compounded by shame, silence, and isolation. If this bill becomes law, individuals who already feel unsupported may experience increased internal or external pressure to view death as their only option, now endorsed by law.

Scripture calls Christians to a radically different response: “Rescue those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to the slaughter, Oh hold them back!” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, Proverbs 24:11). People of faith are called to stand in the gap, not pave the path toward death. Believers are to trust not in fleeting feelings, but in the steadfastness of God: “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, Psalm 30:5).

What makes this bill most dangerous is its foundation: emotion. But feelings are changeable. Despair is not permanent. When society legislates based on emotional states, it risks irreversible consequences. Even secular scholarship highlights this danger. Paschke‑Winnel et al. (2023) found that eligibility assessments for assisted dying raise widespread ethical concerns, particularly regarding impaired decision-making capacity and increased risk of suicide in vulnerable populations.

This debate is more than a legal matter—it is a moral and spiritual one. What kind of society do we aspire to be? One that values people only when they are strong and independent? Or one that affirms the dignity of every person, especially the weak, weary, and broken?

To lawmakers and fellow citizens: do not confuse compassion with surrender. True compassion stays. It suffers alongside. It speaks life when others only see death. Jesus Himself did not turn away from pain—He entered into it. He wept with those who mourned New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, John 11:35) and taught, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, Matthew 5:4).

Let us not clothe cruelty in the language of care. Let us not make death more accessible than dignity. Let us walk with people through the valley, not abandon them in it.

Reject this bill—not because we oppose those who suffer, but because we stand for them. Because even in the struggle, life remains a sacred gift.

 

References

New American Standard Bible. (2020). Zondervan (Original work published 1971)

Paschke-Winnel, M., Munday, M. E., & Shaheed, M. J. (2023). Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) and mental illness: A qualitative thematic review of ethical concerns. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 20(3), 431–445. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11673-023-10217-y

 

 

 

Rita Kurtz (Ph.D. in progress) is a Harvard University Scholar, Thought Leader, and Lawyer specializing in multidisciplinary and cross-sector concentrations including Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, writing, law, psychology, neuroscience, neurotheology, ethics, morals, divinity, diversity, anthropology, and the sciences. 

Rita is an interdisciplinary researcher and recent graduate of Harvard University with a master's degree from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences department. Studying under esteemed Harvard Law School Professor Roberto Mangabeira Unger (SJD), Harvard University Law Director of Intellectual Property Allan Ryan, including Dr. Cornel West (Presidential Candidate 2024), and Dr. Arthur Kleinman (Harvard Department of Anthropology and Psychiatry), gave her well-roundedness in the interdisciplinary studies of law, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, morals, media, religiosity, and politics making her a well-prepared Ph.D. candidate. Through the acquisition of a prestigious Cross-Registration Academic Scholarship from Harvard, she gained a broader academic perspective and cultivated a profound curiosity about making scholarly contributions to the discourse surrounding difficult existential inquiries. In light of her Harvard Professor Unger's discussions on ethical, moral, and legal ramifications of utilizing artificial intelligence and the effects of the Knowledge Economy, she further investigated these topics, gaining the implications of the historical Tocquevillian perspective on the underestimation of technology's role. Historical data such as history, religiosity, and technology, piqued her interest in investigating these future issues in an effort to offer deeper research and discussions to grapple with these AI existential issues.

While at Harvard University, Rita combined her professional skills in television and film and took part in several projects, such as being selected out of several candidates, to participate in a research study at the Langer Mindfulness Lab in the Department of Psychology which delved into the intense psychological effects of news medium's impact on the consumption and conveyance of news to the public. As a researcher at Harvard, she wrote two research papers and successfully presented them to a panelist of fellow Ph.D. scientists. The first paper researched Nutraceutical Skin Therapy: Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum, a study on how mushrooms may support youthful skin and aid in patients suffering from the autoimmune disease, sarcoidosis. The second delved into extensive research on Meat Analogues: Are We Making a Positive Political Advancement to Save the Planet? Or A Personal Health Choice that Barely Sustains Ourselves?, uncovering the unnatural ingredients masked in meatless burgers from Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. She became a published nonfiction writer and a certified digital storyteller while at Harvard. 

In her undergraduate degree, her interdisciplinary studies in law, anthropology and philosophy, makes her a well-rounded research candidate. Her past academia undergraduate BBA studies covered a gamut of disciplines including writing legal briefs and law courses in Constitutional Law, Business Law I &II, Torts, Corporate Finance, Accounting 1 & 2, Human Resources, Business Policy, Political Science, Operations Management, Programming, Economics, Chemistry, Chemistry Lab, and Consumer Behavior. Her studies in computer programming, economics, anthropology, and philosophy, broadened her technical mindset for business.

Rita runs an online e-commerce store and is a digital content creator, gaining some experience with Python Programming language. She stays current on mainstream topics as a blogger, social media influencer, and actress/entertainer. As a world traveler, she divides her time between speaking, performing, and engaging in television, radio, and stage productions. She has covered tech news and innovations as a repeat spokesperson at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), MacWorld, and for Belkin Components, hence the nickname, “Gadget Girl.” Her past acting appearances aired on Lifetime, History Channel, Fox, and the Paramount Network, landing her on an Emmy-nominated show. Her experience in media, led to a career in television, radio, movies, stage, and writing, gained her the branding of RitaRitaRita.

As a prior executive producer, TV and radio host of a positive side of sports, life and entertainment variety show, her co-hosts included Pro-NFL players and Industry Professionals. The show broadcasted on Warner Brothers Television and Fox. Her position led to interviews with billionaires, millionaires, celebrities, professional athletes, NASCAR drivers, professional medical staff, professional attorneys, musicians, and business owners. As a headline lead singer, she has toured with Grammy-Award winning musicians, and performed the national anthem for several professional sports teams around the United States. Rita is a strong writer, researcher, listener, articulate speaker, and takes direction well. She is most recognized for the national TV commercial in which she belted opera on a bus with a guy dressed like a Scandinavian viking-JG Wentworth (877-CASHNOW).

Rita formerly worked with a private company as a Government Account Executive supplying computer networks to the U.S. military around the globe creating relationships between the civilian sector and the government. She has also worked as a Record-Breaking Executive Technical Recruiter, receiving "Recruiter of the Month" and "Recruiter of the Year," for placing the highest commission received for the company, by placing a CEO into a Fortune 500 Tech Company. Her responsibilities as an Executive Technical Recruiter placed C-level executives into major tech companies and start-ups. Her well roundedness and entrepreneurial mindset led her to running a successful bakery at the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Force Exchange.

Currently pursuing her Doctorate of Philosophy degree, with a Christian Lens on ethics and morals, in Psychology and Law, her current research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), law, ethics, morals, neuroscience, bioethics, aviation, military affairs, divinity and diversity. Her postgraduate studies at Liberty University allows her to research, analyze, test, generate new data, and the application of statistical and analytical data. Setting academic theories in psychology with a Christian worldview, opening deeper theories into more professional values, morals, ethics, behaviors, attitudes, justices, theoretical modeling, evidence-based modeling, culturally diversity standardization, leadership in trends, concepts, and methods. She is currently studying neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social-personality psychology, neurotheology, law, and statistics. Her main focus lies in self-regulation in the discipline of Health Psychology from a holistic-mind, body, spirit, and soul approach.

She is a current member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Harvard Club of the United Kingdom, American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS), Harvard Black Alumni Society (HBAS), former Harvard Club of NY, Harvard Club of Southern California, and the Harvard Alumni Association. She currently resides in Beverly Hills, California. Her faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation for her life. 

 

 

Awards: 

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Author Note

Rita L. Kurtz- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4456-7784

No conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to RitaKurtz@alumni.Harvard.edu