Ex-Church of England Head Backs Assisted Dying

LONDON  — A former head of the Church of England says he no longer opposes assisted dying and says the church risks "promoting anguish and pain" by objecting to moves to make it legal.

George Carey, a former archbishop of Canterbury, said medical advances have created an "ethical turning point."

In an article published Saturday, Carey said he would back proposed legislation to allow doctors to prescribe a lethal dose to terminally ill patients judged to have less than six months to live. The House of Lords will debate the bill Friday.

Carey's position is at odds with the official position of the Church of England, which has consistently argued against a change in the law.