Sunday, October 19, 2014

A Good Death



Could you give me a minute to search through all the scripture passages on physician-assisted suicide. Okay, done. There are none. This is part of the challenge for those of us from the Judeo-Christian tradition in regard to assisted suicide.

The bible gives us the broad strokes of the sanctity of life, human and non-human. Christianity has developed a theology and ethic of the preciousness of life which challenged infanticide in Roman culture. This led to a strong stance in the Roman Catholic church and most evangelical denominations on abortion as well. And many denominations have taken stands against suicide of any kind, sometimes claiming that heaven's doors will be blocked to those who take their own lives.

Why then has the discussion on assisted suicide moved to the foreground of society, including this week's debate in Canada's parliament? In part it has to do with our changing convictions about individual choice. There is another reality though, which is our increasing lifespans. In developed nations we are living longer than our forbearers. When I was born in 1954 life expectancy was roughly 68 in Canada. Sixty years on it is 82, and we are one of the top nations for longevity in the world.

Unfortunately, living long doesn't necessarily mean living well. Even those with access to the best medical services and palliative care may conclude that live is no longer worth living because of severe physical restrictions, mental anguish, or pain. There have been a number of high-profile challenges to Canadian laws on suicide in recent years, and it's hard to imagine not being touched by the plight and desire of these individuals.

Again this past week we entered into the debate, which always presses us to ask what the parameters for assisted suicide might be, how we will protect those most vulnerable in our society, and who will be the gatekeepers and technicians for this form of death.

Our United Church moderator, Gary Paterson, has offered a thoughtful reflection on the subject http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/releases/141014, drawing on his experience with his aging and ailing mother. It is worth reading, as is the debate summarized in the Globe and Mail http://m.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/read-and-vote-should-patients-be-allowed-to-request-suicide/article21106527/?service=mobile&click=sf_globea and a piece in Walrus magazine. http://thewalrus.ca/and-when-i-die/

You might revisit a United Church Observer article about Gloria Taylor, one of our members who wanted the right to end her life, although she died before taking the steps to suicide. http://www.ucobserver.org/features/2012/09/gloria_choice/

Rather than saying anything more, I encourage you to read and reflect. It is so important for Canadians to be informed on this subject, because we are at an important crossroads. We can also pray for all those who are in the final stages of this life and desire a "good death," which is what euthanasia means.

Thoughts?

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