Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
Assisted suicide is a serious issue for the Catholic Church. Assisted suicide is a hard and emotionally charged topic — especially for anyone with loved ones who are suffering. The Catholic stance on the issue is rather clear-cut: Euthanasia and physician assisted suicide are both immoral because they take away the dignity of the person who is suffering, and because the taking of another life is always an evil act.
Though similar, physician assisted suicide and euthanasia are two separate acts. Assisted suicide is when a terminally ill patient is provided medication (by a physician) with which the patient can end their life. Euthanasia is when a physician or other individual administers said medication themselves.
Many people argue that physician assisted suicide is ethical because it provides terminal patients who are suffering a way to end their life of their own terms — thus preserving their dignity and helping ease the burden on their families.
Ultimately, assisted suicide takes away the dignity that it seeks to provide, because it denies the patient the right to die while being nurtured and surrounded by the love of family and friends. It also goes directly against a doctor’s deepest calling — to support and nurture life. Rather than providing a means for suicide, doctors and family members alike are called to assist the dying by providing comfort and treatment, and seeking to alleviate pain.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “suicide is a grave offense against love of self, one that also breaks the bonds of love and solidarity with family, friends, and God.”
The portrayal of physician assisted suicide (or euthanasia) in literature is problematic because — it many cases — the moral issues are glossed over or ignored completely. This can give those who are not well formed the perception that — while difficult — the choice to end one’s life if you are terminally ill and suffering is morally acceptable.
In general, I wouldn’t say that you need avoid reading a book that contains this topic. What I would recommend is that you make sure you know the facts before plunging in. And if you have kids who are reading a book that discusses physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, or suicide in general, make sure you talk with them about it.
Books I’ve blogged about that contain this topic
Dark Whispers