2007-03-03 17:51:10 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As Christians, we believe that human life is a sacred gift from God to be cherished and respected because every human being is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26).
In heeding God’s command, "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13), we recognize that we cannot end of our lives or the lives of others as we please. We must respect and protect the dignity of human from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death.
Euthanasia occurs when a doctor or medical staff person administers a lethal dose of medication with the intention of killing the patient.
Assisted suicide occurs when a doctor or medical staff person prescribes a lethal amount of medication with the intent of helping a person commit suicide. The patient then takes the dose or turns the switch.
We also recognize the need for the proper management of pain. Modern medicine provides effective treatments for pain that guarantees that no one will suffer a painful death. No one needs to escape pain by seeking death.
Suicidal wishes among the terminally ill are due to treatable depression similar to that of other suicidal people. If we address their pain, depression and other problems, then there is generally no more talk of suicide.
Repercussions of Assisted Suicide
+ The patient seriously, possibly completely, damages his or her relationship with God.
+ Anyone assisting a suicide gravely endangers his or her spiritual, psychological, and emotional well-being.
+ Corruption of the medical profession: whose ethical code calls on physicians to serve life and never to kill. The American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and dozens of other medical groups argue that the power to assist in taking patients’ lives is "a power that most health-care professionals do not want and could not control.”
+ Society will more and more disregards the dignity of human life.
Possible Corruptions
+ Exploitation of the marginalized: The poor, the elderly, minorities, those who lack health insurance would be the first to feel pressure to die.
+ Cost control: Patients with long term or expensive illnesses and considered economic liabilities would be encouraged die.
+ Rebirth of historical prejudices: Many able-bodied people, including some physicians, say they would "rather be dead than disabled." Such prejudices could easily lead families, physicians, and society to encourage death for people who are depressed and emotionally vulnerable as they adjust to life with a serious illness or disability.
Jesus uttered the words of faith that continue to inspire and to guide the Church’s teaching in this mystery of Christian death: "This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again" (John 10:17).
With love in Christ.
2007-03-07 17:24:39 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DR. Jack Kevorkian
I believe that assisted suicide is a choice that an individual has to make for themselves. If it is to end great suffering when no other treatments are available- I SEE NO NEED TO PROLONG AGONY WHEN THERE IS NO HOPE OF CURE. My mother died miserably of cancer, and at the end it was painful not only to her, but her family as well. I believe it should have legal restraints---only to be used in worst case scenarios--but that it should be available as a HUMANE END TO SUFFERING.
2007-03-04 03:50:54 · answer #2 · answered by Lover of God 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just watched three people in my family die. If they had wanted to end it I would have totally understood. I think there is a point where the pain and the ability to live any kind of real life is gone. Why should they have to suffer if they don't want to.
2007-03-04 01:56:55 · answer #3 · answered by fifimsp1 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I think when a person's quality of life is no longer good and they are ready to move on from this life they should be able to be humanely put to sleep just as we do with our pets. It makes no sense to me why we allow our people to suffer through pain and sickness yet have a heart when it comes to our beloved pets.
2007-03-04 01:55:52 · answer #4 · answered by just jenn 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is a long tradition of soldiers assisting their mortally wounded comrades to suicide. It is a mercy.
2007-03-04 01:56:01 · answer #5 · answered by kappalokka 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Assisted suicide is murder and who is Dr. Death.
2007-03-04 01:55:40 · answer #6 · answered by Thumbs down me now 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Sometimes we treat our pets better than we do other humans. There is no reason that someone should have to live in pain.
2007-03-04 01:58:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its an individual's choice.
There is nothing noble about suffering.
Dr. Kevorkian is alright with me.
2007-03-04 01:55:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
End of life issues should be between a client and his or her doctor.
2007-03-04 01:55:25 · answer #9 · answered by Born of a Broken Man 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋