Toronto, 30. The President of the Episcopal Conference of Canada, Archbishop James Weisberger Vernon, archbishop of Winnipeg, has sent a letter calling on members of parliament and the Canadian people to reflect on the implications of Bill C-384 which seeks to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide in the country. Those wishing to reopen this debate - reads the letter - are no doubt concerned about the suffering of others. A mistaken sense of compassion has led them to perform euthanasia on those most vulnerable, rather than provide them with adequate care, effective pain control, social support, emotional and spiritual to natural death. It is always important - the letter continues - be as clear as possible about the intentions and the consequences when we reflect on human actions, so as to ensure the good and minimize the damage to the persons directly involved, including the entire community. Unfortunately, some proposed terms for this debate is misleading and unclear. From the perspective of Catholics - said the president of the Canadian Bishops' Conference - the use of drugs and other means to relieve suffering is lawful even though they may have side effects such as the reduction of life expectancy. It is also legitimate for someone to refuse medical treatment considered particularly burdensome. But what can never be accepted is the direct and intentional killing of people who are depressed, disabled, sick terminals, the elderly and the dying. It is difficult to see how a law legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide, and may at the same time protect the most vulnerable in our society. The Archbishop asked: "What confidence which these people can have certainty that their lives actually are then protected by health care workers, family, friends and society as a whole?". Euthanasia and assisted suicide, by their very nature, means that there is a duty to protect the lives of others. There is also a well-founded fear - continues in the letter - that euthanasia and assisted suicide may be imposed on people as a way to save on healthcare costs and reduce service calls. Inevitably, the result would be that of an increasingly fragmented society whose members will experience increasing anxiety and isolation. The Canadian bishops, therefore, invite members of parliament, representatives of the House of Commons and the Senate, "to use in their discussions and clearer terms and definitions to take into consideration the impact that such legislation would have on people's lives and entire community. Canadians should be better informed about these important issues and should be promoted instead of euthanasia and assisted suicide, palliative care and home assistance to help people in difficulty and families. We call on Catholics, our brothers and sisters who belong to other Christian communities or other faiths, and all those who appreciate the beauty and dignity of life - end the bishops - to engage in this debate civilly and respectfully in order to witness profound respect for the dignity of every human life. "(© L'Osservatore Romano - October 1, 2009)
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