The argument, supporters insist, is not about undermining an imperative to preserve life at all costs, but personal autonomy in end-of-life care. In Europe, euthanasia is legal in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, and being debated in Spain and Portugal. The Vatican on Tuesday reiterated the church’s opposition to assisted suicide and euthanasia, “intrinsically evil” acts, “in every situation or circumstance”. It points out that patients planning to end their lives cannot be granted access to the sacraments, including both confession and anointing of the sick. Where to draw the line between terminal patients’ right to choose not to pursue “treatments that provide only a precarious or painful extension of life”, accepted by the Vatican, and the positive act of assisted suicide is challenging ethically and legally.

Source: The Irish Times September 24, 2020 17:45 UTC