The House of Lords has been debating one of the most pressing moral questions of our time: whether we should embrace legislation permitting assisted suicide. The debate has, so far, given voice to a wide range of opinions. But it was deeply encouraging to hear that the majority of speeches on the opening day of Second Reading were in opposition to the bill. This reflects a sober recognition among many peers that changing the law in this area carries grave risks, particularly for the elderly, the disabled, and those who already feel a burden on society.
