A Concord Pastor Comments: More from Cardinal O'Malley on the question of physician assisted suicide

I have posted several times on Question 2 which will appear on the ballot in Massachusetts on November 6, 2012. Question 2 deals with physician assisted suicide.

Here's another statement from Cardinal Sean, indicating those groups who, in agreement with the Catholic Church, are opposed to the so-called "death with dignity" initiative.

This election day, Massachusetts voters will be asked to vote on Question 2: “Prescribing Medication to End Life”. This question would, if passed, legalize doctor prescribed suicide in our commonwealth. This week, I am continuing my series of reflections on why I believe all people of good will should join me in opposing this deplorable ballot question.

Question 2: A flawed law, a false choice
For many people, opposition to physician-assisted suicide is based on respect for God’s law "Thou shalt not kill," and on the firm desire to have doctors and nurses function as healers and care givers, not executioners. For 2,500 years doctors have taken the Hippocratic Oath, promising to practice medicine ethically and honestly. Part of the promise is "to do no harm." Indeed, the oath is very explicit about rejecting physician-assisted suicide, promising "I will never give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect."

Although these promises originated in the ancient world in pre-Christian times, they have always guided conscientious physicians in the ethical practice of the healing arts. To jettison these moral guidelines would have a very detrimental effect on the medical profession and on society.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has stated that "physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks. Instead of participating in assisted suicide, physicians must aggressively respond to the needs of patients at the end of life. Patients should not be abandoned once it is determined that cure is impossible. Multidisciplinary interventions should be sought including specialty consultation, hospice care, pastoral support, family counseling, and other modalities. Patients near the end of life must continue to receive emotional support, comfort care, adequate pain control, respect for patient autonomy, and good communication."

Locally, the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) voted overwhelmingly against assisted suicide and have said that "assisted suicide is not necessary to improve the quality of life at the end of life. Current law gives every patient the right to refuse lifesaving treatment, and to have adequate pain relief, including hospice and palliative sedation." In describing their specific opposition to Question 2, the MMS stated further that "The proposed safeguards against abuse are insufficient. Enforcement provisions, investigation authority, oversight, or data verification are not included in the act. A witness to the patient’s signed request could also be an heir."

There are many citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who do not share our faith and for whom the clear biblical teaching is not a convincing argument. To them, we make an appeal to reason: that this is bad legislation because it puts vulnerable people at risk and it promotes suicide. Many have already recognized the flaws and the dangerous aspects of physician-assisted suicide as presented in Question 2 on the Massachusetts ballot this November. Opposition to Question 2 is coming from a broad array of organizations and individuals who often do not agree on other initiatives or proposed laws...

(Read the rest of the Cardinal's statement here.)

And here's a link to a video presentation of a "town hall" meeting on this matter, hosted by the Archdiocese of Boston.

Linked Assisted Suicide Posts