Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Outcome of 2026 Assisted Suicide Legislation
Statement by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Knestout on Outcome of 2026 Assisted Suicide Legislation
The Senate and House bills that would have legalized assisted suicide will not advance during this year’s General Assembly session. We are grateful that committees in both chambers decided not to proceed with this legislation after weighing the grave concerns expressed by so many people throughout our Commonwealth. Many legislators on both sides of the aisle recognized the serious risks this measure would have imposed upon vulnerable Virginians – including people with disabilities, people with mental illnesses, the elderly, and those who lack access to healthcare.
Human life is sacred and no one should ever be abandoned or discarded. Every suicide results in a tragic loss that can place families, friends, coworkers, and whole communities in long-term grief. Virginia should always seek to prevent suicide, and never engage in or promote suicide.
We greatly appreciate all those who contacted their legislators to express their concerns, and we would like especially to thank those senators and delegates who advocated for vulnerable and underserved Virginians and their families.
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