Religious Leaders Urge Faithful to Take Action
The Catholic bishops of Virginia have expressed their concern and sadness over the proposed legislation known as Senate Bill 280, also known as the “Death with Dignity” bill. They are calling on the faithful to take action and contact their state Senators and Delegates to reject the bill.
Protecting Human Life
The bishops emphasize the sacredness of human life and emphasize that it should never be abandoned or discarded. They urge their followers to use the provided alert by the Virginia Catholic Conference to voice their opposition to assisted suicide legislation.
The Details of Senate Bill 280
The “Death with Dignity” bill would permit adults diagnosed with a terminal condition to request a prescription for a self-administered controlled substance to end their life in a humane and dignified manner. The proposed legislation requires patients to make two verbal requests for the procedure and submit a written request with their signature and that of a witness.
Senate Bill 280 has been moved for a future vote in the State Senate.
The Bishops’ Concerns
In a statement, the bishops express their belief that every suicide is a tragedy and that legalizing assisted suicide would increase the vulnerability of the most vulnerable members of society, including people with disabilities, mental illnesses, the elderly, and those without adequate healthcare.
Currently, medically assisted suicide is legal in ten states and the District of Columbia, including Maine, New Jersey, Hawaii, Colorado, New Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Vermont.
Compassionate Care Instead of Suicide Drugs
The bishops stress the importance of accompanying individuals facing the end of life with great care and attentiveness. They advocate for high-quality medical, palliative, and hospice care to address the needs and alleviate the suffering of those nearing the end of their lives, rather than resorting to suicide drugs.
Opposition to Prematurely Ending Human Life
The Catholic Church opposes any procedure that prematurely ends a human life, including abortion and assisted suicide, with the exception of very narrow circumstances.