Assisting family suicide is not compassionate.
A Daughter’s Journey: The Power of Choice in the Face of Death
On Oct. 17, CNN’s Bianna Golodryga interviewed the filmmaker behind “Last Flight Home,” a daughter’s chronicle of her father’s final days before euthanasia. Ondi Timoner, the brilliant mind behind the film, shared the shocking and courageous story of her father’s decision to choose his own fate rather than succumb to his terminal illness.
“It was a moment of profound shock,” Timoner revealed. “Our entire family was scared. But we knew we had to stand by him.”
Timoner’s brother discovered a law in California that would grant their father the option of assisted suicide. “We were completely unaware of this, as our society rarely discusses death and dying,” Timoner shared.
Timoner’s unwavering support for her father’s choice was a testament to her love, but it also shed light on the misconceptions surrounding euthanasia.
In 2023, twelve U.S. states are contemplating the legalization of euthanasia, while ten states already permit it. Canada has even expanded its euthanasia program to include individuals who are not physically ill.
The growing prevalence of euthanasia demands a compassionate and consistent response rooted in our shared humanity.
Caring for the Suffering: A Call for Compassion
The perceived need for euthanasia stems from misconceptions about love, dependence, and compassion. According to a 2021 New York Times article titled ”When Patients Choose to End Their Lives,” requests for euthanasia are often driven by “a loss of autonomy, a loss of dignity, a loss of quality of life, and an inability to engage in what brings meaning to people’s lives.”
However, proponents of euthanasia have a narrow definition of a meaningful life. I witnessed the profound power and goodness of life during my mother’s time in hospice last year, even when she was unable to interact with those around her. Love, not freedom from physical constraints, gave value to her existence.
My family cherishes every precious moment we had with her, and the thought of her cutting short her life fills us with unimaginable sorrow. A peaceful death, like hers, is a lasting gift that instills hope in the hearts of the departed’s loved ones and community.
Embracing Dependency: The Preservation of Dignity
Undoubtedly, loss of autonomy and dignity are valid concerns for those who suffer. Illness and death force us to relinquish control, which feels unnatural in our modern society that idolizes independence. We often mistake control for freedom and would rather choose death than live dependent on others. However, suffering does not diminish our self-worth. We can embrace dependence with grace and dignity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the crisis in end-of-life care, particularly in nursing homes and dementia-care facilities. Many fear spending their final years in cold and sterile environments, where their lives become burdensome to others. We must prioritize alternatives to nursing homes and hospitals.
Dr. Joanne Lynne, a pro-life geriatrician quoted in The New York Times article, emphasized the urgent need for improved palliative and hospice care. “Decency in long-term care is sorely lacking,” she stated. “Euthanasia cannot be a genuine choice if the alternative is a life of misery or financial hardship for the family.” The appeal of euthanasia diminishes when individuals can spend their final years at home, receiving high-quality care and surrounded by the love and support of their community.
The Illusion of Compassion: Unmasking Euthanasia
In an era of rampant individualism and a disposable culture, euthanasia disguises itself as an act of compassion. Dr. Charles Camosy, a distinguished professor, has extensively explored end-of-life issues.
One aspect of our “throwaway” culture is the tendency to turn a blind eye to evils like euthanasia, exemplified by the deliberate change in terminology. Euthanasia advocates now refer to it as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), a euphemism designed to soften its image.
“By altering the language, we can avoid confronting the harsh reality,” Camosy explained.
It is crucial that we reject this deceptive terminology and confront the true nature of euthanasia.
“Advocating for someone’s death and claiming it as compassion is a fallacy,” Camosy emphasized. “Authentic compassion is rooted in non-violence, accompaniment, pain management, and communal hospitality.”
The solution to eradicating the perceived need for euthanasia lies in our commitment to caring for one another. This responsibility should be embraced, as human beings have thrived in communities throughout history. Dependence is not something we outgrow; it is a lifelong blessing. Forgetting this truth only amplifies our fear of death.
“To experience a good death, we must accept it as a friend and face it ‘in community,'” Camosy wrote. “This is the essence of love: we may burden one another, but grace and love transform that burden.”
What are some ways to improve the quality of palliative care and end-of-life options for those who are suffering?
Inadequate support and care.”
Instead of legalizing euthanasia, we should focus on improving the quality of palliative care and providing compassionate end-of-life options for those who are suffering. This includes ensuring that patients have access to pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care. It also means creating supportive environments, such as hospice facilities, where individuals can receive the care and comfort they need in their final days.
Respecting the Sanctity of Life
One of the most compelling arguments against euthanasia is the belief in the sanctity of life. This belief holds that human life is inherently valuable and should be protected at all costs. Allowing euthanasia undermines this principle and opens the door to a slippery slope where the value and worth of certain lives may be questioned or diminished.
Every life, regardless of age, ability, or health condition, deserves to be respected and valued. By legalizing euthanasia, we risk devaluing the lives of those who are elderly, disabled, or terminally ill. It sends a message that some lives are not worth living, leading to a dangerous erosion of our shared humanity and compassion.
A Compassionate Response to Suffering
While euthanasia may seem like a solution to end suffering, it is not the answer. True compassion requires us to support and care for those in pain, to walk with them through their journey, and to provide comfort and solace in their final moments.
By advocating for better end-of-life care, we can ensure that individuals facing terminal illnesses or unbearable suffering have access to the physical, emotional, and spiritual support they need. We can ease their pain, alleviate their fears, and grant them the dignity they deserve.
Instead of choosing euthanasia, let us choose compassion. Let us choose love. And let us choose to value and uphold the sanctity of every life until its natural end.
Conclusion
The power of choice in the face of death is a deeply personal and complex matter. It is one that each individual and family must grapple with in their own way. However, as a society, we must critically examine the implications of legalizing euthanasia.
Instead of turning to euthanasia as a solution, we should focus on providing comprehensive and compassionate end-of-life care that respects the dignity and worth of every individual. We should ensure that no one feels compelled to choose death because of a lack of support or options.
Ultimately, our response to suffering should be rooted in love and empathy, guided by a commitment to uphold the sanctity of every life. Only then can we truly offer solace and support to those facing their final days.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...