Euthanasia: A Step Backward For Mankind
The Chamber of Representatives has just passed the law that legalizes euthanasia. Belgium has just become one of the rare countries in the world where the deliberate killing of a human being is legally permissible. Nowhere else is it licit to cause death deliberately and with impunity, "in any constant and unbearable situation of suffering or distress which cannot be alleviated and results from a serious and incurable condition". Thus euthanasia will be admissible for sick persons who might still have years to live, or for long-time sufferers of depression or even for the physically disabled.
Once more we strongly reaffirm that we consider all this directly contrary to what constitutes the heart of a life in society that is based on human dignity and a long history of civilization: namely, the fundamental respect for human life, and, above all, the life of the most vulnerable.
The law on euthanasia that has just been passed assumes that a human being's value and dignity are no longer linked with his life, but only with what is termed his "quality of life". This means that the Belgian State supports the view that a certain human life is of less value than other human lives; and in addition, that the appraisal of this quality of life will be left either to the subjective arbitration of the sick person or to others.
"The law does not actually oblige anyone to choose euthanasia", someone might object. No, of course not. But we fear that the sick individual might in certain cases be subjected to strong pressure by family members or health-care staff to opt for euthanasia. If it is the persons concerned who ask for euthanasia, will the doctor be able to stand his ground and refuse? Or, will he, by practising euthanasia, risk alienating himself from the meaning of his profession? And will hospitals that refuse to allow the practice of euthanasia on their premises be left in peace? There is already a rumour that patients will be able to demand euthanasia, regardless of the philosophical convictions of the establishment where they are treated.
In discussions on euthanasia, the Catholic Church is regularly reproached for expecting people to suffer pointlessly and without reason. This is obviously untrue and hurts us deeply. For centuries Christians have worked hard to ease people's suffering. Indeed, the Church has several times unequivocally stated that she is against the useless prolongation of life, that is, against "over-zealous" therapeutic treatment, for causing suffering to others must certainly be avoided and their suffering minimalized. The question is whether this can be achieved by killing someone! The whole ethical tradition of humanity has always said "no" to this question. To say "yes" now would be tantamount to breaking with this tradition: bringing about a contradiction within the history of civilization. In fact, never has so much attention been paid to the protection of all human life or nature, never has so much been invested in keeping people and nature alive! Such great breakthroughs have been made in the treatment of the suffering — especially in palliative treatment — that before long almost no one will have to live or die in unbearable pain. However, certain pain relief therapies can shorten life. But the great difference in comparison with euthanasia, is in the aim, spirit and mentality that prevail: in the fight against pain, the intention is to alleviate the pain of a dying person; with recourse to euthanasia, life is deliberately ended: treatment amounts to killing!
We expect a great deal from the future development and practice of palliative treatment. It affords us the opportunity to ensure that our loved ones depart from us in a humane and physically bearable way, instead of having to kill them or have them killed because they simply cannot take the pain any more. In the years to come, it will be necessary to allocate greater means than at present to promote research and treatment in the fight against pain.
The passing of the law is not the last word. It does not dispense us from the right and the duty to promote the basic principle of our ethic: "You shall not kill". We appeal to all Christians to base their life and action in the world on respect for all life. We are sure that many non-Christians share this conviction with us. The numerous echoes heard at the Commission of the Senate unequivocally confirms this. Unfortunately, an ideological attitude has smothered these voices. But the ethic is anchored in the truth that dwells in the human heart and not in any other motives, whatever they may be. Christians here, in collaboration with many others, have a prophetic role to play, with humility and determination, despite the latest political decisions.
Brussels, 16 May 2002.
© L'Osservatore Romano, Editorial and Management Offices, Via del Pellegrino, 00120, Vatican City, Europe, Telephone 39/6/698.99.390.
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