Christianity, Cults and Culture

Globally, the Netherlands was the first country to legalize euthanasia in 2002. Euthanasia had been practiced for decades, but even though illegal, cases were not prosecuted. In the United States, Oregon was the first state to legalize assisted suicide in 1997. The law was implemented but was litigated until 2005, when the Supreme Court ruled it was legal. There is a distinct difference between euthanasia (someone actively causes another’s death) and assisted suicide (someone procures the materials, but the patient themselves cause their own death). Currently, euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal in Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and Australia. Assisted Suicide is legal in California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Montana.

Starting with numerous platitudes about careful patient selection and well-designed protocols, euthanasia and assisted suicide were hailed as advancements in patient care. They were claimed to honor the autonomy of patients. However, those protocols began to unravel very quickly, and soon it was not even necessary to have a terminal illness. Mental illness is now considered an adequate reason to end life in all but the United States. In Europe, one can be euthanized for depression or mental disorders, and many have been. In 2021 Canada also adopted a similar stance. No matter where one is, there is pressure to legalize assisted suicide or euthanasia. Once authorized, there is a willing cadre of people who will apply pressure to remove any barriers that might exist to provide autonomy to patients and prevent discrimination. There is currently a push to provide “mature” minors with access to assisted suicide without parental consent.

Arguments provided for assisted suicide or euthanasia.

1. Autonomy is central to what it means to be human.  

Life is a personal choice and a human right. Denying assisted suicide or euthanasia imposes religious beliefs and violates freedom of conscience. Human beings are rational and compassionate, capable of weighing the benefits and harms of continuing or ending life. Assisting in ending life recognizes its quality and meaning. It is an act of respect, mercy, and alleviating suffering. Some Christians emphasize personal autonomy and the right to decide about life and death.

• Compassion is central to the Gospel.

Some Christians support assisted suicide to show mercy and compassion to those who are suffering from terminal illnesses or extreme pain. They believe that God is a loving and merciful God who does not want His creatures to suffer unnecessarily and that ending one’s own life or helping someone else to do so is not a lack of trust in God’s plan but a trust in His grace and forgiveness. They also argue that the sanctity of life should be considered in the context of suffering and quality of life and that preserving life at all costs may not always be the most ethical or compassionate approach. Furthermore, they draw on Jesus’ example of caring for and easing the suffering of the marginalized and express concerns about an excessive medical intervention that only prolongs the dying process without improving the quality of life. They view assisted suicide as alleviating suffering, granting dignity, and honoring the natural process of death.

A BETTER CHRISTIAN APPROACH:

Arguments against assisted suicide

1. Autonomy: Many of the moral issues we face today are directly related to the issue of autonomy. Autonomy is defined as being self-governing, that is, the quality or state of being self-governing. As Christians, we do not recognize the radical autonomy seen in the culture as being conducive to a relationship with God or with the community. As people, we are responsible to God and those with whom we share communion. Said differently, Christians understand radical autonomy to be a bad, even an evil thing, because it selfishly ignores the requirements of faith, community, and family. It is ignorance of the adage that no man is an island. Our decisions help or harm others, and we have a responsibility to operate with a modified autonomy, one that is in subjection to God and family. We are not truly autonomous. To behave in a truly autonomous manner is to sin. Taking one’s own life is an error because it devalues the life that God has provided.
2. Sanctity of Life: Life is sacred and a gift from God. Only God has the authority to give and take away life. Therefore, intentionally ending one’s own life or assisting in someone’s suicide goes against this belief in the inherent value and sanctity of life.
3. God’s Purpose and Plan: Each person’s life has a purpose and meaning in God’s plan, even during suffering. Going through difficult times allows individuals to grow spiritually, develop character, and bring glory to God. Assisted suicide is seen as interfering with this divine purpose, potentially denying the opportunity for spiritual growth and the completion of God’s plan.
4. Compassionate Alternatives: Society should focus on providing compassionate care, pain management, and support to those who are suffering or terminally ill. Improved palliative care, hospice services, and psychological support can alleviate physical, emotional, and spiritual distress, allowing individuals to experience a more dignified and comfortable end of life.
5. Slippery Slope: There is a potentially slippery slope effect of legalizing assisted suicide. Once society accepts assisted suicide for specific circumstances, it could gradually expand to include broader categories of people, such as those with non-terminal illnesses, chronic pain, disabilities, or mental health issues. This expansion may compromise the sanctity of life and undermine the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. Assisted suicide can also lead to abuse. There is a risk that assisted suicide could be used to pressure or coerce people into ending their lives. It could also be used to discriminate against people who are sick or disabled. In fact, there could be a related duty to die for those who are costing society money by living.

This issue is coming to you. In private, please speak for the sanctity of life. In public, please advocate against assisted suicide and use your voice and vote to prevent death by suicide. Are you willing to say no to a culture of death? Please feel free to voice your opinion here.