Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
“[Through a] common witness to the God-given dignity of every person, without exception, and to the tender Christ-like accompaniment of the seriously ill, all in society will be encouraged to defend rather than undermine a civilization founded on authentic love and genuine compassion.” ― Pope Leo IV, Day of Life 2025 In an astonishing turn…
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“The institutional conscience of a Catholic health care service is rooted in its identity as a ministry and formed by the authoritative teaching of the Church.” ― Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, 7th Edition William Hume is a 79-year-old retired golfer from Edmonton, Alberta. In the summer of 2025, he was…
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“Human dignity is not measured by its efficiency or usefulness. Life always has value, despite illness, frailty, and limitations. The answer to suffering is not to offer death, but to guarantee forms of social support, continuous health care, and home health care, so that the patient does not feel alone and families can be supported…
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“The truth that life is a precious gift from God has profound implications for the question of stewardship over human life. We are not the owners of our lives and, hence, do not have absolute power over life. … Suicide and euthanasia are never morally acceptable options.” ― USCCB, Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic…
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“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. Moreover, the act of euthanasia…
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Twenty years ago, a large crowd gathered outside a hospice in Florida where they held a 24-hour round-the-clock prayer vigil. Inside the hospice lay Terri Schiavo, a 41-year-old woman who some years before had suffered a severe heart attack, leaving her severely disabled. Among those present in the crowd, were Schiavo’s parents and her brother…
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You may recall during the national elections in November 2024 that, among the several state ballot initiatives, the State of West Virginia established a constitutional ban on assisted suicide. Amendment 1 made clear that “no person, physician, or health care provider in the State of West Virginia shall participate in the practice of medically assisted…
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“Always be inspired in your decisions by the conviction that life should be nurtured and protected from its conception until its natural end. You will be recognized as Catholic doctors by your defense of the inviolable dignity of every human person.” ― Pope St. John Paul II, Letter to the Italian Catholic Physicians’ Association Despite…
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Euthanasia is an action or omission that of itself or by intention causes death in order to alleviate suffering. Catholic health care institutions may never condone or participate in euthanasia or assisted suicide in any way. Dying patients who request euthanasia should receive loving care, psychological and spiritual support, and appropriate remedies for pain and…
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Canada’s Euthanasia Regime: Efficiency and Death vs. True Compassion and Dignity
“Euthanasia is a false solution to the drama of suffering, a solution that is not worthy of man. The real answer cannot be, in fact, to give death, as ‘gentle’ as this may be, but to testify to the love that helps us to face pain and agony in a humane way.” ― Pope Benedict…
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