February 16, 2024
Dear Friends of CCBI,
Working Together: Countering the Culture of Indifference and Individualism
By now it’s common knowledge that allowing MAID /euthanasia solely for mental illness has been delayed until 2027. At one level this is good news, since it provides a possible opportunity for government to be persuaded that not only should the legislation be further or even indefinitely delayed but should be repealed. The latter is difficult to achieve, especially in this era which seems to promote the ‘culture of death,’ since so many seek legally assisted death. However, and it is a strong ‘however,’ if enough people who value the culture of life continue to defend life and oppose euthanasia, making our views known and supported by evidence and opinions from professionals working in the field, there is a chance that it could happen. As we noted before, this is the first time since legalization in 2016 that so many different people, religious or otherwise, have reacted and responded to euthanasia legislation in this way, and we should take advantage of this confluence of approach.
We thank Dr Ramona Coelho and her colleagues who work so hard to foster palliative care and who speak out against euthanasia. Dr Coelho sent the link to a report from the Ontario Psychiatric Association on the Brief sent on January 30, 2024, by its task force on MAID to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying. Chaired by Dr Sephora Tang, the OPA’s Brief stated: “Preliminary analysis of the OPA’s survey found that a majority (80%) of psychiatrist/psychiatry residents disagree that the Canadian medical system is prepared to support safe expansion of MAID for MD-SUMC.” (Emphasis added). Interestingly, the OPA also said, ” On January 29, 2024, the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying released its third report which concluded that the medical system in Canada is not prepared for medical assistance in dying where mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition.” Judging by these two dates, the Joint Committee had already so concluded just before receiving the OPA’s Brief, presumably meaning that other associations reported in similar fashion and the OPA was not alone, or perhaps the Committee was already aware of the OPA’s conclusions. Either way, many continue to insist that it is appalling that euthanasia should be seen as a ‘remedy’ for people suffering solely from remediable mental illness, and we are grateful to all those involved for their honesty and attention to evidence-based medicine in their work and conclusions in this area.
Together: Growing a Culture of Tenderness and Compassion
Looking back to the World Day of the Sick celebrated last Sunday, February 11, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops stated: “The World Day of the Sick offers us another opportunity to pray for all those who suffer, and to reflect on our commitment to them. The CCCB invites all the faithful to adopt the compassionate gaze of Jesus towards those who suffer, are alone, marginalized or rejected. By working together to counter the culture of individualism and indifference, we can grow the culture of tenderness and compassion in our society. The CCCB encourages all members of the community to take concrete steps to accompany those who are ill and isolated, whether through prayer, visiting a loved one, offering gratitude to healthcare professionals and volunteers, or other acts of solidarity. Finally, the CCCB entrusts itself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick, that she may intercede on behalf of all and help us to be artisans of outreach and fraternal relationships.”
“The End of Life Can Be Contemplated with Hope”
The importance of such solidarity and outreach are underlined as necessities by Dr Manuel Serano, a palliative care physician in Madrid, who reminds us that:
Man cannot under any circumstances make himself the master of life. I am sorry for those who defend euthanasia, but there is no noble reason to decide when a life is worth living or when a life no longer has the dignity that keeps it in existence. The recognition of dignity depends precisely on those who care for it. The end of life can be contemplated with hope. Any circumstance experienced can help us to appreciate that life has meaning, that it is going somewhere. To avoid experiences that can give rise to anxiety, distress, and lead to further spiritual suffering, palliative care is called upon to play an indispensable role in the treatment and care of all people with illnesses that lead to a slow end.
We agree.
I know we mention the Horizons of Hope program often, but its importance in furthering the type of approach called for by palliative care physicians such as Dr Serano, as well as by the CCCB, struck me yet again as a powerful way of encouraging Catholics, through their parishes, to respond as the CCCB asks, “…to take concrete steps to accompany those who are ill and isolated.” A week ago I had the pleasure of speaking with the CWL of St Patrick’s, Markham, and we were discussing exactly that: how to take ‘concrete steps.’ Parishioners can be very creative and the CWL members came up with good ideas and practical examples of bringing light and hope to those in hospital or hospice, in long-term care or under care at home. It can be done, and it can be done together for even more effect!
Spiritual Suffering; Reclaiming Redemptive Suffering Webinar
Dr Serano also mentions the role of palliative care in dealing with spiritual suffering, and most of us are aware that how we view suffering is of great importance in how we handle it when it enters our lives, as it always does in some way and in some form. This is a question of great relevance for continuing to ‘choose life’ (Cf. First Reading, Thursday February 15 Dt 30:15-20) and rejecting the culture of death expressed in euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. To this end, CCBI is hosting a webinar, Reclaiming Redemptive Suffering – A Spiritual Approach to the Meaning of Suffering, presented by Erin Kinsella, BSc MTS, who will speak of her personal, pastoral and theological insights on the nature of suffering through her own experiences of ill health. It takes place on Wednesday, February 21 at 7pm. Please email bioethics.usmc@utoronto.ca for information if you would like to join us!
MAID for MD-SUMC Task Force – Ontario Psychiatric Association – OPA (eopa.ca)
Pope Francis’ message for the 32nd World Day of the Sick (February 11, 2024) – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cccb.ca)
Manuel Serrano: “Palliative care is a manifestation of humanity” – Omnes (omnesmag.com)
Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cccb.ca)
Pope Francis’ Intentions for February: FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL
We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.
Moira and Bambi