2276 Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.
2277 Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.
Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.
2278 Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of "over-zealous" treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one's inability to impede it is merely accepted. The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always be respected.
2279 Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged.
Twin brothers who have been deaf since birth found out they were both going blind. The have lived together all their lives, and reportedly the thought of not being able to see each other anymore was too much for them so they arranged for assisted suicide, which is legal in Belgium (where they lived). Bear in mind, there was no physical pain, only emotional. Unwilling to face what may lie before them, they opted for lethal injection. It is reported that just before their untimely deaths, they had coffee together and spoke with their parents.
Sad, truly sad.
USA Today article
Catholic Online article
Their lives. Their choice. Good on them for maintaining control of their lives and dignity.
ReplyDeleteWhile I understand, "their lives, their choice," that does not change my statement of "Sad, truly sad." I am saddened that they did not have faith enough to face life without sight, that God could have a purpose for them in this new state. I do not know of their religious status - but that again does not change my position of sadness. I cannot applaud them for breaking the Fifth Commandment - "Thou shalt not kill."
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