Long story short, a woman who had suffered several painful, chronic illnesses for much of her adult life decided to go to Switzerland to legally kill herself. She shared the journey with her friend, the reporter Ryan Prior.
The story was touching. Painful. The kind of piece that draws in the compassionate reader. The subject was presented as courageous in choosing her own death, unnecessarily suffering from the long journey to Switzerland: For her, the gentle, peaceful death she prayed for was simply unlawful in Tennessee.
As I am reading the piece, my first thought is that I sympathize with this woman. I feel for her. I pray for her. But my second thought is, why didnt she simply take a bottle of aspirin at home in Tennessee? The legal consequences would not have concerned her. Or, had she waited longer, would she not have had that gentle, peaceful death at home?The answer is, of course, political. She used her death as a tool, and the reporter used her story. This is not unbiased journalism.
This is an example, a very sad one, of how political persuasion works. Unwary, compassionate readers will be drawn in by the story. Although they may be ideologically opposed to euthanasia, the pathos of the situation will make them question their beliefs why is it so wrong? Why should this woman suffer unnecessarily, when she is already so near death?
Then, if this becomes a trendy issue, they will be constantly pummeled by such stories, until they cannot remember why they believe euthanasia is wrong. Moral voices will not speak loudly enough to cut through the secular clamor. Weve seen it all before: Love is love. Why shouldnt they be allowed to marry? Its a womans own body. Why shouldnt she be allowed to choose?
The article also contained the usual linchpin a quote from a celebrated religious figure, in this case the South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu giving unexpected approval, and there you have it. The convictions of people who once objected on moral grounds will slowly begin to erode, as the numbers of faithful erode, and the tides of public opinion will turn. Soon it will be just another platform issue, a regular on the dropdown list on candidates websites.
Why should we stand fast against this? As Catholics, we believe in the dignity of human life, from conception to natural death. We believe in heeding Gods commandments, as in the fifth: Thou shalt not kill. We believe in the wisdom of Pope Francis when he calls euthanasia false compassion and tells medical professionals to reject the temptation of assisted suicide.
But times are changing, and holding onto our beliefs will become more difficult. The views of a growing number of atheists and nones will override traditional Christian views, as they have already in left-leaning politics and popular culture, and progressive-minded Catholics will continue to find themselves ignored or, ultimately, politically homeless.
The greatest challenge is, perhaps, that atheists and agnostics dont have any moral reason to object to assisted suicide. If there is nothing after this life, and no greater moral authority to whom we answer, why shouldnt we terminate life when it becomes too uncomfortable? After all, weve been doing it for decades via abortion.
One reason is the slippery slope of government. Canada has permitted MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) only since 2016 but already hospices who dont provide euthanasia services are losing their funding (as many have noted, euthanasia and hospice are not compatible, and hospice is far more expensive), and here are a couple of chilling sentences, couched in detached medical language, from the abstract of a 2018 paper on euthanizing children: We propose that an opportunity exists for MAID-providing institutions to reduce social stigma surrounding this practice, but not without potentially serious consequences for practitioners and institutions themselves. Thus, this paper is intended as a road map through the still-emerging legal and ethical landscape of paediatric MAID. (DeMichelis, Zlotnik Shaul, Rapoport, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30242079/)
I thought of how to respond to my family members Facebook post. Ultimately I decided social media wasnt the proper place to do it. Ill speak to her about it instead.
I will say that once human dignity is lost the moment a culture fails to value life it is that moment that police officers who have vowed to protect their community will become criminals complicit in murder; gang members will indiscriminately kill each other, innocent passers-by and children; genocide will be perpetrated against unwanted populations; rioters will bring death and destruction even as they protest injustice; and even the most educated and respected among us will rationally and dispassionately (and self-interestedly) discuss how to end the lives of children who, as doctors know from their training, cannot possibly have the mental development to consent to their own deaths.
Nothing about our fellow human beings not their race or infirmity or disability, gender, nationality, religion, age, lack of self-sufficiency, criminal history or any other facet of human identity must shake our firm belief in the sacredness of life. We must speak life and uphold life, even when our voices are drowned out, because that is what God has commanded us to do.
Originally posted here:
The dignity of life - Catholic Herald
- Euthanasia - The New York Times - December 9th, 2016 [December 9th, 2016]
- Euthanasia | Define Euthanasia at Dictionary.com - December 12th, 2016 [December 12th, 2016]
- Taking Life: Humans, by Peter Singer - Utilitarian - December 21st, 2016 [December 21st, 2016]
- Free euthanasia Essays and Papers - 123helpme - December 21st, 2016 [December 21st, 2016]
- Half a Life (Star Trek: The Next Generation) - Wikipedia - January 20th, 2017 [January 20th, 2017]
- Euthanasia | Students for Life - January 24th, 2017 [January 24th, 2017]
- Mass euthanasia rumors prompt adoptions en masse at animal control shelter in Georgia - fox6now.com - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Doctor 'asked family to hold down struggling euthanasia victim ... - Catholic Herald Online - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Doctor who asked dementia patient's family to hold her down while she gave lethal injection cleared - The Independent - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- County animal shelter aggressively working to cut euthanasia rate - ABC15 Arizona - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Once euthanasia is voluntary, it will become irresistible. Just ask the ... - Catholic Herald Online (blog) - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- New Law in Taiwan Halts Euthanasia of Stray Animals - Seeker - Seeker - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after discovery of euthanasia drug - Detroit Free Press - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Evanger's dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in one batch - WHIO - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's goals: save money, collect organs - One News Now - OneNewsNow - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- RECALL: Canned dog food has traces of animal euthanasia drug - KUTV 2News - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- US dog food recall after euthanasia drug found - BBC News - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Taiwan bans euthanasia of stray animals - Yahoo - Yahoo News - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Euthanasia reform moves forward in the senate - Deseret News - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Wheeling-based Evanger's recalls dog food found to contain euthanasia drug - Chicago Tribune - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in can. One dog dead. - Washington Post - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food sold in Minnesota recalled over euthanasia drug - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Imagining a future with compulsory euthanasia - MercatorNet - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Euthanasia 'Safeguards' Soon Seen as 'Hurdles' - National Review - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in it - CNN - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Bill to Ban Gas Chamber Euthanasia Moves to the Senate - Good4Utah - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Religion in the courtroom: Neil Gorsuch's faith and writings draw close attention - The Denver Post - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Dutch doctors against euthanasia for advanced dementia patients - NL Times - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Canadian study touts euthanasia's cost 'benefit' - Brnow - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Pug Dies After Eating Dog Food Contaminated With Euthanasia Drug - Huffington Post - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Patients Rights Council - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- New euthanasia debate in Spain - BioEdge - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Labour will not introduce private members bill on euthanasia - Scoop.co.nz (press release) - February 12th, 2017 [February 12th, 2017]
- MP's personal story behind euthanasia support - Clarence Valley Daily Examiner - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Could laser therapy help dog owners avoid euthanasia? - 12news.com - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Speaker receives citizens' initiative on legalisation of euthanasia - YLE News - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's march Down Under - Catholic Herald Online (blog) - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Another company issues recall after euthanasia drug found in dog ... - KATU - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Medical Council against euthanasia: 'We don't want youths euthanising their grandparents' - MaltaToday - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- More dog food recalled because it may contain euthanasia drug ... - Q13 FOX - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Law students accuse Medical Council of twisting their euthanasia arguments - MaltaToday - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Hanson, Hinch launch passionate arguments for euthanasia law - Starts at 60 - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch get riled up about euthanasia - Starts at 60 - February 17th, 2017 [February 17th, 2017]
- Brigit Forsyth on euthanasia, internet dating and whether she'd consider Likely Lads revival - ChronicleLive - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- FDA confirms euthanasia agent pentobarbital in dog food | Food ... - Food Safety News - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Oregon's Euthanasia Bill Is Intentionally Ambiguous - National Review - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Conservative leaders argued drugs, euthanasia, and fiscal policy in Langley - Langley Advance - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- New German film addresses Nazi child 'euthanasia' - euronews - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- How Did a Euthanasia Drug End Up in Dog Food? - Care2.com - February 21st, 2017 [February 21st, 2017]
- Why euthanasia slippery slopes are inevitable - National Right to Life News - February 22nd, 2017 [February 22nd, 2017]
- Oregon's euthanasia bill awash with 'ambiguity' - OneNewsNow - February 22nd, 2017 [February 22nd, 2017]
- Adoption center works to reduce euthanasia - The Dominion Post - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Police stance was to not answer questions over details of euthanasia checkpoint - Stuff.co.nz - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- WA election: Euthanasia, Safe Schools hot topics as Liberal, Labor leaders face Christian voters - ABC Online - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Lessons from indigenous wisdom in the euthanasia debate - MercatorNet - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Dying man gathers his family together for final hours before ... - 9Honey - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Quebec Moves Toward Euthanasia for Alzheimer's | National Review - National Review - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Once Euthanasia Voluntary, It'll Become Irresistible, Ask the Dutch; Real Humility; and More! - National Catholic Register (blog) - February 25th, 2017 [February 25th, 2017]
- APA Position on Medical Euthanasia - Psychiatric Times - February 25th, 2017 [February 25th, 2017]
- Pike County animal shelter reduces euthanasia rates - WYMT News (press release) - February 25th, 2017 [February 25th, 2017]
- BioEdge: Should Quebec's Alzheimer's patients be eligible for ... - BioEdge - February 25th, 2017 [February 25th, 2017]
- 45 Rescued Cats and Dogs Are Facing Euthanasia But One Woman is Fighting to Build Them Shelter - One Green Planet - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Minnesota Euthanasia Advocates Introduce Legislation to Legalize ... - LifeNews.com - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Italy: tetraplegic DJ stirs up euthanasia debate by assisted suicide in Switzerland - euronews - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Euthanasia and Alzheimer's: Canada takes a step in the wrong direction - MercatorNet - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Choice is an Illusion President Margaret Dore States Hawaii ... - EconoTimes - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Evanger's expands recall because dog food may contain euthanasia drug - The Seattle Times - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Last Wishes mobile pet euthanasia service adds storefront hospice for pets - Chron.com - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide stirs up Italy euthanasia debate - BBC News - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- The euthanasia debate is polarised, yet shared concerns unite all sides - The Guardian - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Jagged Vision Streaming "Euthanasia" - Metal Underground - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Paralysed Italian DJ takes own life in Swiss clinic after fruitless euthanasia campaign in his native country - The Independent - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Mane Attraction hosts Beauty to the RESCUE to fight animal euthanasia - 12news.com - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Finnish parliament debates legalising euthanasia - Expatica Netherlands - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia Advocate Changes Her Mind After Watching the Euthanasia Deception Documentary - LifeNews.com - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- In places where it's legal, how many people are ending their lives ... - EconoTimes - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide fuels Italy's euthanasia debate - MercatorNet - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Corgi pit bull with lopsided jaw saved from euthanasia - BBC News - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia: What to Expect When Your Dog is Put Down - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Gentle Journey Phoenix Arizona In Home Pet Euthanasia - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]