It is highly likely that the End of Life Choice Bill will be read for the second time in Parliament, and voted on, tomorrow, Wednesday 26 June.
Defeating this Bill is of absolute importance if we wish to protect vulnerable people and uphold the sacredness of life and treat people with true compassion and care at the end of life.
How you can help
You can help by urgently undertaking the following:
1. Contact MPs and respectfully ask them to vote NO to the End of Life Choice Bill. Give them a clear and concise reason for your objection to the Bill.
2. Pray, pray and pray! Miracles can happen when we place all our trust in God and seek to do His will. We know that legalising euthanasia and assisted suicide does not align with God’s Holy will. Whatever the outcome, our prayers and fasting are never in vain.
Arguments against euthanasia and assisted suicide
The following are a few points (of many) to consider:
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide are all about killing another person or assisting someone to commit suicide.
- Compassion properly defined means “to suffer with”. A truly compassionate response is to walk alongside someone, offering hope and caring for them, alleviating as much as possible physical, psychological and spiritual distress. Compassion does not kill the one who suffers.
- Palliative care and hospice are excellent services that assist those who are nearing the end of life. These services need more resources.
- A physician’s role is to help heal, not to kill or to assist someone to commit suicide.
- Elderly and disabled people, not wanting to be a burden on family and society, may feel pressure to end their life prematurely.
- Overseas experiences show that wherever euthanasia and assisted suicide are legalised:
- the number of deaths go up over time;
- legislation can’t control the practice;
- vulnerable people feel pressured;
- it becomes a favoured “treatment” option especially when financial implications are taken into consideration;
- reporting can be lax and there is no guarantee that every euthanasia/assisted suicide death is reported;
- over time laws and practice become more lenient and accommodating.
Ultimately, a society that kills its most vulnerable is doomed to fail. A society is destined to thrive when it sees the inherent dignity of each person and with real compassion and love walks life’s journey together. Please do your part today to ensure that New Zealand thrives.
Prayer for Government Leaders
God of power and might, wisdom and justice,
through you, authority is rightly administered,
laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.
Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude
the political leaders of New Zealand.
May they always seek the ways of
righteousness, justice, and mercy.
Grant that they may be enabled by your powerful protection
to lead our country with honesty and integrity.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(adapted from a prayer at CatholicOnline)