Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley (right) is accompanied by Rev. Hilario Sañez from St. Rose of Lima Parish in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Photo credit: Cardinal Seán O’Malley BlogThe Bishop of Boston, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, recently wrote an op-ed in the Boston Globe, which he also shared on his personal blog, to express his views on the debate surrounding physician-assisted suicide.
“Physician-assisted suicide is just that: suicide,” stated Cardinal O’Malley.
In his opinion piece, O’Malley explored the distinction between curing and caring for patients, emphasizing the importance of addressing their psychological, physical, and spiritual needs as they approach the end of life.
O’Malley strongly opposed physician-assisted suicide, arguing that it presents moral and ethical challenges to society and the medical profession, equating it with suicide regardless of circumstances.
“The Massachusetts Legislature is considering a physician-assisted suicide bill, and they should reject it. Physician-assisted suicide could lead to a slippery slope of possibilities, like those already being witnessed in countries like the Netherlands, where 400 people suffering from mental illness were ‘euthanized’ without their consent,” expressed O’Malley.
Highlighting the potential repercussions of legalizing physician-assisted suicide, including the heightened vulnerability of disabled individuals and the erosion of hope, the article cautioned against normalizing such practices.
“For 2,500 years, physicians throughout the world began their service with the Hippocratic Oath, promising not to harm and to ‘give no deadly medicine to anyone if asked nor suggest any such counsel.’ This stands in direct opposition to physician-assisted suicide,” said O’Malley.
Cardinal O’Malley emphasized the significance of palliative care and hospice services in alleviating suffering and offering support to patients and families. He also criticized proposed legislation, pointing out flaws such as inaccurate prognoses and insufficient safeguards for the vulnerable.
“Rather than legislating the acceleration of death, the Catholic Church encourages legislators to focus on providing quality palliative care to the sick and dying. Patients are best served when medical professionals, families, and loved ones provide support and care with dignity and respect,” stated O’Malley in the closing of his opinion article.
To read the full article, The Dorchester Post invites you to visit Cardinal Seán O’Malley’s official blog post here.
