Living, Loving, and Dying With Dignity.

Fifteen years ago I completed my theology degree back in Dublin. Over the course of my studies, and as part of my Bio-Ethics class, I studied the subject of Euthanasia and ‘Assisted Suicide’ in depth – from a Catholic theological perspective. The term ‘Assisted Suicide’ has now morphed (in modern parlance) into the term ‘Physician Assisted Dying’ – and I’m happy about that.

In the news recently Brittany Maynard, a vivacious, married 29 year old woman who had terminal brain cancer, sparked a nationwide debate re her decision to determine the manner and timing of her passing from this life. In her own words:

“When my suffering becomes too great, I can say to all those I love, ‘I love you; come be by my side, and come say goodbye as I pass into whatever’s next,’ ” she told CNN. “I will die upstairs in my bedroom with my husband, mother, stepfather and best friend by my side and pass peacefully. I can’t imagine trying to rob anyone else of that choice.”

Nor can I; but some would rob her and others of this choice . .

The Catholic Church’s official response to her decision was to baulk at it and to ‘morally’ discredit it.

The Vatican’s top ethicist, Msgr. Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, condemned Brittany Maynard’s decision to end her life, saying there was no dignity in her physician-assisted death.  It’s not that the Church judges someone in her position per se; it’s more a case of their not wanting their flock to misinterpret human suffering as spiritually meaningless and without redemptive value.  That’s it in a nutshell.

I happen to disagree.

Here’s why: If a terminally ill person (of whatever faith tradition or none) perceives and experiences some depth of spiritual meaning in their suffering; and freely chooses to endure their suffering in this manner (with every medical support available) to the end, I commend and support their decision.  But I equally commend and support the decision of the terminally ill person who – in a clear, rational, informed, and fully cognizant, manner chooses (as state or national laws permit) the manner and timing of their passing.  If they do not perceive their suffering and quality of life (even with advanced medical and palliative care) as ‘redemptive’ or of real value to them or their loved ones, then that perspective, in my book, deserves to be honored and upheld – not scoffed or baulked at; or worse still  – to be theologically discredited.

End of rant! Go back to your coffee break and chew on that one …  Comments, as always, welcome!

Peace – G