Canada’s Catholic bishops issued a statement ahead of the 10th anniversary of Bill C-14, June 17, which legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada under the term “Medical Assistance in Dying” (MAiD).
The CCCB statement reiterates opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide, while calling for renewed commitment to authentic palliative care across the country. The statement also summarizes key statistics and raises concerns about the continued expansion of medically-provided death and its impact on vulnerable Canadians.
The CCCB statement affirms the profound dignity and value of every human life, emphasizing that true compassion does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, pain relief, and authentic palliative care.
The statement also rejects “complacency with the status quo on euthanasia in Canada,” saying: “Formed by the Gospel, we are called to draw near to those who suffer: not to ignore, trivialize, or abandon them in their pain or despair, but to accompany them with compassion, practical care, and hope (cf. Lk 10:30-37).”
“We actively seek opportunities for effective, collaborative strategies to provide concrete and compassionate support to those living with serious physical or mental illness, those with disabilities, and those nearing the end of life, as well as their families and caregivers,” wrote the bishops.
“As disciples of Christ, we affirm that every human life is a gift, holds profound dignity and value, and is part of a human community (cf. Mt 25:31-46). In contrast, euthanasia and assisted suicide, whatever their motives or means, consist in intentionally causing or hastening the death of a person who is sick, suffering, disabled, or dying in order to eliminate suffering,” they said.
“Such acts can never be morally acceptable, for they are gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to God, the Creator and Lord of life. True compassion does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, palliative care, and relief of pain. Together with healthcare professionals, patients, and families, our faith teaches that we must strive for proportionate treatment options that neither unduly prolong nor intentionally hasten death, but instead offer life-affirming and compassionate care.”
As part of this anniversary, the standing committee statement encourages renewed prayer for the sick, the suffering, the dying, and their families, caregivers, and health care professionals; for those who have died through medically-provided death, and for their loved ones; and for the conversion of hearts and minds toward a culture that receives every life as a gift and never abandons those most in need.
The full statement, including a prayer and additional resources, is available here.
The CCCB’s Standing Committee for Family and Life is supported by the CCCB’s Office for Family and Life, which furthers the work of the Catholic Bishops of Canada by supporting dioceses and eparchies in the pastoral care of families and in promoting a culture that welcomes and protects life from conception to natural death.
