In response to the unfortunate passing of California’s harmful Physician-Assisted Suicide Law, we vow to strengthen our palliative care and other health care services for the chronically and terminally ill, so that no one we treat feels compelled to choose assisted suicide. Through our health care professionals and the care and compassion of all people of goodwill, we will continue to lovingly attend, accompany and care for the terminally ill on their final journey. (California Bishops, June 9, 2016)
The following resources are available to help in responding with love, mercy, and accompaniment to those on their final journey:
- Statement on Physician-Assisted Suicide Legislation from California Catholic Conference of Bishops (June 9, 2016)
- Guidance on Pastoral Care
- A Response to Requests for Physician-Assisted Suicide
- OC Catholic – Church Calls for Faith, Courage and Compassion at Life’s End
- California’s Physician-Assisted Suicide Law – Talking Points
- Physician-Assisted Suicide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
“To live in a manner worthy of our human dignity, and to spend our final days on this earth in peace and comfort, surrounded by loved ones—that is the hope of each of us. In particular, Christian hope sees these final days as a time to prepare for our eternal destiny. Today, however, many people fear the dying process. They are afraid of being kept alive past life’s natural limits by burdensome medical technology. They fear experiencing intolerable pain and suffering, losing control over bodily functions, or lingering with severe dementia. They worry about being abandoned or becoming a burden on others.”
– To Live Each Day with Dignity, USCCB 2011
OVERVIEW
- Euthanasia – Church Teaching, Info, and Statements (USCCB)
- USCCB Statement on Physician Assisted Suicide
PRAYER
- Prayers for the End of Life, (for renewed strength, for the sick, for the elderly, for those about
to die, intercessions) - Prayers for the End of Life
Californians Against Assisted Suicide
October 12, 2015: California Bishops Issue New Statement on Legalized Physician-Assisted Suicide. Read the statement here.
Below are the statements on the signing of the assisted suicide bill by the California Catholic Conference and Cardinal O’Malley.
Cardinal O’Malley: California Legalization of Assisted Suicide a Great Tragedy for Human Life
OTHER RESOURCES
OTHER RESOURCES
April 11th Dignity and Courage at the End of Life Conference