November 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.

Christian Reformed Church in North America