Catholic bishops in the Australian state of Victoria have reiterated their opposition to the introduction of an assisted dying scheme in the state as new laws legalising it come into force this week.
In a pastoral letter released on Sunday, Peter Comensoli, the Archbishop of Melbourne, along with the bishops of Sandhurst, Ballarat and Sale, said the new laws were a sign of a “new, and deeply troubling chapter of health care in Victoria”.
“Christians in Victoria, as in any other time of history, are now challenged to show a different approach to death and the dying, one which accompanies every person as they are dying and allows them to love and to be loved to the very end,” the wrote. “We cannot cooperate with the facilitation of suicide, even when it seems motivated by empathy or kindness.”
The letter outlined how those who “conscientiously object” to the new law can accompany people who suffer through prayer, through understanding and through actions such as spending time with those who are “sick, disabled or elderly and may be vulnerable”.
Meanwhile, Catholic Health Australia CEO Suzanne Greenwood said in a statement that while Catholic health and aged care services would not be providing voluntary assisted dying, “we know our facilities are operating in an environment where patients or residents may wish to explore this option”.
“Our member organisations are committed to receiving all such enquiries in a compassionate and respectful manner. Our members will work with patients and residents as they have always done – as valued partners – and examine their options with them. If people in our care wish to access [voluntary assisted dying] from other providers, our services will not impede them. We will provide release from care as well as transfer if they wish to access services elsewhere.”
The State Government has said it has extensive safeguards to prevent the process being misused while allowing people a compassionate choice over how they die.
To be eligible under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act, a person 18 years or older must have an advanced disease causing them unacceptable suffering and is likely to cause their death within six months, or 12 months for neurodegenerative diseases. They must have been living in Victoria for at least 12 months and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
The process cannot be completed in less than 10 days, and the person can change their mind at any time. Doctors and health practitioners are free to choose not to take part in the process.
The legislation came into effect on Wednedsday, 18 months after it was passed by the State Parliament in November, 2017. It has been suggested that the Victorian model may become a template for other Australian states if the introduction is seen as successful.
The Australian Christian Lobby has also voiced its opposition to the new laws, with Dan Flynn, state director, describing the safeguards as a “mirage” designed to “appease a wary public”.
He said the “harsh reality” of the assisted dying program was that lethal poisons can be legally distrbuted to households across the state.
“No government can account for what happens with the lethal poisons delivered to Victorian homes. The [State Premier Dan] Andrew’s government cannot screen for elder abuse, coercion or depression in the homes of the terminally ill and vulnerable.”
– with MELANIE BURTON, Reuters.
