Is Euthanasia the Answer?

Background. Euthanasia is an issue on which disagreements run deep. People on the opposing sides not only disagree on the correct response to the issue; they also disagree on what kind of issue it is. Supporters insist that the issue is all about liberation, about progress toward greater individual fredom of choice. Opponents reply that this issue is not about freedom but about death. Euthanasia does not liberate its victims. It takes away any freedom they might have left, by taking away their very lives.

The issues. Most of us are familiar with the "suicide doctor," Jack Kevorkian, whose noble desire to alleviate pain has lead to controversial means. The Wayne Count Circuit Court, in ruling on Kevorkian's case, cited the Buck v. Bell ruling of 1927 to justify a "reasonable" request for death assistance. Ironically, Buck v. Bell, was heavily influenced by the American eugenics movement of the 1920s and was cited by Nazi war criminals in their defense.

We also see today that the Dutch courts have set forth guidelines for accepting euthansia, resulting in some cases where Dutch physicians have taken it upon themselves to decide on their patients' behalf when it is time to die. Yet even the Dutch physicians who practice euthanasia think the experiment should not be tried in our country. They point out that there are social and economic inequalities here which gravely affect many people's ability to get decent health care.

The Church's position. In his encyclical, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), Pope John Paul II shows an understanding of this difficult issue. "Even when not motivated by a selfish refusal to be burdened with the life of someone who is suffering, euthanasia must be called a false mercy and indeed a disturbing 'perversion' of mercy. True 'compassion' leads to sharing another's pain; it does not kill the person whose suffering we cannot bear." And yet with sympathy he praises those who willingly endure their pain and unite their sufferings with those of the Lord Jesus-but he adds that "such 'heroic' behavior cannot be considered the duty of everyone" and he reaffirms the Church's acceptance of narcotics to manage dying patients' suffering.

Faith and Justice at St. Ignatius is committed to educating the community on alternatives to assisted suicide out of respect for the sacredness of life. If you are interested in pursuing discussion groups or obtaining reading material let us know.