Euthanasia

Euthanasia

 

Reading Jane Munro’s article in Newsweekly May 6, 2017 Rare win for the family at UN women’s commission,  the words which echoed strongly with me were “Language is vital to United Nations documents. Every word is scrutinised and carefully evaluated.”  Language of course is the thing which really separates us from the other created species.  Language is used to express oneself. Language is indeed vital to the human being.  Even the UN understands this.  Indeed so important is language that it is used to “normalise” anything we wish to have normalised.

 We saw this use of language and change of language and terms in the abortion issue, where timeless knowns like “baby” (image) to “cells” and “tissue”  even "foetus"(imageless) became and are now the norm  By changing language to one without image it became possible to convince society that abortion is acceptable because first trimester in utero child is only on a “bunch of cells.”  This later to lead to abortion to full term.  The slippery slope (even though some people do not like this term) was surely polished and ready to lead to more sliding by creating the new language.

This was preceded by justifying the need for contraception and the sexual revolution with new language used for this was not for the prevention of conception but nicely sanitised “birth control.” and now we reach the language of euthanasia. 

 Every talk, every paper I have read, every discussion on this topic expresses a language all of its own.  Sanitised language, “assisted suicide.” That word “assisted” so comforting to the one who is suiciding. Being assisted. Goodness that sounds good.

Euthanasia. No image here of “dignity” just the realisation that someone has suddenly gone forever. “Dosage delivery.” Hmmm what might this mean except helping someone take the prepared poisons which will ensure death. No images here. Yes we may even contrive the machinery for this "dosage delivery" so the dying one can do it alone "in privacy."  How comforting for those demanding euthanasia  to think a human being is left to die alone.  To enter into this final journey alone.

Language this marvellous aspect of the human which helps us understand and dialogue with one another is again being manipulated in order to achieve a desired effect, like the bunch of cells, (baby)  this, the intentional death of someone who is either desirous of this to happen or for the benefit of others.   

“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” CCC2277

Of course the reason given for the need for “assisted suicide” or euthanasia (yes there is a difference) is to alleviate the suffering of the dying or ill person.  However, suffering is a part of life. And yes suffering is difficult both for the sufferer and those who must stand by and watch, (the Gethsemane watch).  However this does not mean that we have the moral freedom to alleviate it at all costs.  When we contemplate euthanasia, or the “assisted suicide” mantra we must remember that there is a stealing involved and what is stolen is stolen from God.
Euthanasia and its enthusiasts attempt (and when successful, do) to usurp God’s authority over life and life.  This we saw from the beginning and still does not bode well.  

 

Anne Lastman