wfn.org | CRC Urges Action on Euthanasia Bill

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> CRC Urges Action on Euthanasia Bill

Nov. 19, 2009 -- The Christian Reformed Church in North America?s
Disability Concerns office has issued an action alert, asking church
members in Canada to contact lawmakers to register their protests
against a bill legalizing euthanasia that is now making its way
through the Canadian Parliament.
If passed, this law could pose ?danger to people with disabilities,?
says Rev. Mark Stephenson, director of Disability Concerns.
People with disabilities could be pressured, if this passes, to seek a
legal end to their lives. They might also receive the message that
disabilities are to be wiped away instead of embraced and dealt with
compassionately.

Stephenson?s office late last week sent out the alert, drawing
attention to the legislation, and has set up a special web page that
offers a full range of information on the issue and the CRC?s stance
in relation to it.

?As Christians, we?re called to be advocates for those who have been
robbed of a voice. Our leaders need to hear from Christians whose
interest is justice, and who wish to see government use its authority
to ensure that all people flourish,? says the beginning of the web
page put up by Disability Concerns.

?We hope you?ll join us in a unique opportunity to do that kind of
speaking to the Canadian government regarding a bill that could
adversely impact people with disabilities.?

The bill is called "Right to Die with Dignity Act" (C-384) and would
legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, which could in turn threaten
the lives of Canadians with disabilities.

?The CRC is clear in its position on the subject of euthanasia and
assisted suicide ? we affirm that life is both a gift and a
commitment, even in times of great suffering. The role of the church
is to reach out to those for whom the gift of life has become a
burden, to show the compassion of Christ in those times, and to link
hands as a community with the suffering and dying.?
Given the substance of the bill, it provides church members with the
opportunity to advocate for life-affirming alternatives to euthanasia
or assisted suicide. ?The time to speak is now,? says Stephenson.
According to the bill before lawmakers, anyone could opt to die who
meets the following criteria:

> * is over 18

* is terminally ill or is experiencing mental or physical pain without  relief

> * is lucid

* when lucid, designates who will act on his/her behalf when he/she is
not lucid presents to a medical practitioner ten days apart two
written statements that he/she is opting to die.

?Our compassionate response to those who are suffering should not be
to legalize assisted suicide but instead to increase the quality of
medical and palliative care. When optimal health care, personal
assistance and equal access is not available to those with
disabilities, assisted suicide is not free choice,? says the web page.
For more helpful tips about how to contact lawmakers, check out this
Office of Social Justice advocacy guide. You can also visit the web
page on the Disability Concerns site at: Euthanasia bill.

> --CRC Communications

> -- Chris Meehan
> News & Media Director
> Christian Reformed Church in North America
> 1-616-224-0849