Catholic bishops in Virginia are sounding the alarm about a proposed federal bill that would legalize assisted suicide.
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington and Bishop Barry Knestow of Richmond released a letter Monday urging Virginians to contact their politicians and voice their opposition to state Senate Bill 280.
“We are alarmed and deeply saddened by this development. Human life is sacred and must never be abandoned or thrown away. At this critical moment, we Please contact your state senators and representatives and urge them to refuse assistance.” Use the warning provided by the Virginia Catholic Conference to enact suicide laws. ”
Senate Bill 280, known as the Death with Dignity Act, would allow adults diagnosed with a terminal condition to have their health care provider prescribe self-administered controlled substances to humanely end the patient’s life. “We will allow you to request this.” and a dignified attitude. ”
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Bishop Michael Burbidge celebrates midday Mass at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Virginia. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The bill would require patients who wish to end their lives to make two verbal requests for the killing procedure and to submit a written request signed by the patient and a witness.
Senate Bill 280 has been moved to the Virginia Senate for a future vote.
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“Every suicide is a tragedy. Assisted suicide exacerbates the tragedy and leaves the most vulnerable even more vulnerable,” the bishops said in the letter. “Legalizing this would put the lives of people with disabilities, mental illnesses, the elderly, and those who cannot afford health care at greater risk of deadly harm.”
Medically assisted suicide is currently legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia.
The Virginia State Capitol on March 4, 2010 in Richmond, Virginia. (AP Photo/Steve Herber, File)
It is currently legal in Maine, New Jersey, Hawaii, Colorado, New Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Vermont.
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Bishop Barry Knestout holds a liturgy of remembrance, penance, and hope in Gaston Hall on the Georgetown University campus in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alison Shelley/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
“People facing the end of life are in great need and must be attended to with great care,” the bishops wrote. “Patients have the right to receive quality medical, palliative and hospice care, not suicide drugs, to meet their needs and alleviate their suffering.”
The Catholic Church opposes any procedure that ends human life prematurely, from abortion to assisted suicide, with very narrow exceptions.
