In a perfect world, the end is painless and it comes in our sleep.
In reality however, rarely is that true.
People suffer heart attacks and strokes, accidentally choke on food or are victims of accidents, farm equipment tragedies, or substance abuse overdoses.
Sometimes, and more so lately with the situation on First Nations reserves becoming epidemic, people take their own lives too.
Most of the above are accidents and in many cases avoidable, preventable situations, but in my opinion, having something like an inoperable tumor or a degenerative disease with no known cure is different.
Honestly, the idea of having all of my organs replaced by machines and having my decisions made by someone else is truly frightening, but again, that is just my opinion.
I know the subject of assisted death is a contentious one around here, especially with the 14 churches in our community, so trying to find the middle ground between both sides of the argument is probably pointless, but I’ve still got to take a stab at it.
Personally, I haven’t run into an instance yet where that kind of conversation has come up, but while the idea of death scares me to bits, I have to agree with Pope Francis. I think the emphasis should be on palliative care.
As I understand it, the debate is not about committing suicide per se.
However, since ending a life prematurely is characterized as murder or suicide in this country technically, I’m not entirely sure how this debate is going to play out on a national scale.
To me, a former Roman Catholic and now Pentecostal Christian, the biggest issue is what the Bible says about suicide or murder verses the idea of having options.
One side argues that if you’ve lived a full life, and you’re looking at a future of pain and mental regression, you might want to be able to opt out.
The other side says it is wrong.
We all get old, and we all die, but can’t we at least hold onto our dignity?
Our politicians, even the more liberal leaning among them, have their own reservations about it — not so much that this legislation should not be law, but as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said in past interviews, “legalizing medically assisted dying is a huge change for Canada and needs to be done slowly, one step at a time.”
The whole idea has me feeling conflicted, as I’m sure it does you, but look at it this way, at least our progressive society is moving in a direction one way or another.
There is also going to be an information session and discussion panel held at Barrhead United Church, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., dealing with the topic of physician assisted death.
If you are conflicted like I am on this subject, I would encourage you to participate in the discussion on May 14.
