The New York Senate has passed a bill legalizing physician-assisted suicide, sparking strong reactions. The bill allows terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request medication to end their lives. Catholic bishops and other opponents have expressed concerns, calling it a 'dark day' and warning of potential risks to vulnerable individuals. The legislation now awaits a decision from Governor Kathy Hochul, who could sign it into law or allow it to pass automatically. If signed, New York would join several other states that permit assisted suicide.
25 days ago
The New York Senate has passed the "Medical Aid in Dying Act" by a vote of 35-27 5 8. The bill now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's decision 1 5 8. If signed, the law would allow terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request medication from a physician to hasten their death 5 8. The bill defines "terminal illness" as an incurable and irreversible condition that will produce death within six months 1. If Gov. Hochul does not sign the bill, it will automatically become law within 10 days, unless she vetoes it, in which case a two-thirds majority in both houses is needed to override her veto 5 8.
The New York State Catholic Conference has voiced strong opposition to the bill, calling it "a dark day for New York State" 1 2 3 4. They have urged Governor Hochul to veto the legislation 1. The Catholic Conference warns of an "assisted suicide nightmare" similar to the situation in Canada 3 4. Cardinal Timothy Dolan has called the proposal "a disaster waiting to happen" 3 4. The bill's advance reveals the diminished influence of the institutional Catholic Church in the U.S. public square 2.
Opponents of the bill express concerns that it would be catastrophic for medically underserved communities, including communities of color, as well as for people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations 1 3 4. They fear these groups will be at the mercy of a healthcare industry facing Medicaid cuts 1. A key concern is the lack of a requirement for psychological screening for depression or other mental illnesses, and the absence of a waiting period after a terminal diagnosis 1 3 4. There are worries that vulnerable individuals may be coerced into assisted suicide due to loss of independence or bodily function 1.
The New York State Catholic Conference and others have drawn comparisons between the proposed law and the euthanasia laws in Canada 1 3 4. They point to the expansion of euthanasia in Canada, including instances where individuals who cannot consent at the time are euthanized 3 4. Concerns are raised about the increasing number of euthanasia deaths in Canada and reports of violations going unreported 3 4. One in every 20 deaths in Canada is from euthanasia 1 3 4.
Charles Camosy, a professor of medical humanities, stated that the bill's passage is "a dark day for New York, and especially New Yorkers who are at risk for coercion" 5 7 8. Kathryn Jean Lopez noted that the word "autonomy" was invoked in lawmakers' debates, similar to arguments used in favor of abortion 2 5 7 8. The American Medical Association (AMA) has reaffirmed its opposition to physician-assisted suicide, stating that it contradicts the physician's role as healer 2 5 7 8. Catholic teaching states that intentional euthanasia is murder, but also acknowledges that forgoing extraordinary medical treatment can be morally acceptable 5 7 8.
What is the Catholic Church's teaching on the sanctity of life?
The Catholic Church holds that all human life is sacred from the moment of conception until natural death . This belief is rooted in the understanding that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God .
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of this teaching:
In summary, the Catholic Church's teaching on the sanctity of life is a comprehensive and unwavering defense of human life from conception to natural death. This teaching is grounded in the belief that every human being is created in God's image, possesses inherent dignity, and has an inviolable right to life.