Bishop's Letters |Pastoral Letter on Euthanasia

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This "culture of death" is recognizable in the media's coverage of events concerning euthanasia and assisted suicide. We read of a father who killed his disabled daughter, and of Dr. Jack Kevorkian who helps his patients kill themselves. We have known for years that doctors openly practise euthanasia and assisted suicide in the Netherlands.

Although the Holy Father confirms that euthansasia and assisted suicide are grave violations of God's law, he also recognizes that there are limits to what we can expect of the suffering. The Church does not require medical treatment when the burden outweighs the benefit or offers little hope of recovery. It is a matter of intention and means that makes the difference in the decision to allow a person to die, as compared to consciously bringing about their death in an unnatural way. The court decision in favour of Quebec patient, Nancy B., is such an example. Although she knew that the removal of her respirator would probably result in death, her intention was not to die, but was to withdraw a burdensome and extraordinary treatment. A second example is the giving of medications for those in exceptional pain. While the dosage may threaten life, the intention is to kill the pain, not the patient.

Ontario legislation on consent to treatment allows us to legally make decisions concerning our health care. We care make previous arrangements to transfer this power to someone else should we later become incompetent. Many of us may have to make difficult medical decisions for ourselves and our loved ones. Such choices, while formidable tasks, can bring peace when we make prayerful decisions that are well informed and allow for our religious convictions.

There is an alternative to dealing with suffering other than through killing. Palliative care is a new philosophy in medicine which holds that science is limited in bringing some patients back to health. It is a style of care which says that we will be there for you, to the dgree that you wish, by offering care and compassion in chronic illness and during the last stages of life.

Our Parliament has yet to decide what to do about euthanasia. The Northern Territory of Australia, and the State of Oregon have already legalized assisted suicide. In January, the US Supreme Court will decide whether there is a constitutional right to assisted suicide. Our response as Roman Catholics is not to abandon the vulnerable, but to strongly support everyone's right to life. Let us be as supportive as Veronica was in wiping Christ's face, as Simon was in carrying the Cross, and as Mary was as she watched her Son die.

The Holy Father encourages us to develop what he terms a "culture of life" by being a "people of life" who proclaim and celebrate the the gift of life and who live in ways which respect the dignity of each individual. Let us prayfully take to heart the call to proclaim a "culture of life" by reflecting on the God who first gave us life.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

BISHOP OF HAMILTON