Why I disapprove of euthanasia

In recent days, the subject of euthanasia has been clearly in the picture again due to the proposal of Senator Jean-Jacques De Gucht.

For the sake of clarity, I hereby give the definition of euthanasia as I see it:  “Euthanasia is defined as the intentional termination of the life of patients who are terminally ill or suffering unbearably.”

I've always had a hard time with this concept. I can understand that suffering is hopeless for people if you don't have faith Plan of Salvation of our Heavenly Father. Because that is what all the arguments of the proponents ultimately revolve around: why continue to suffer if it is no longer useful?

From that point of view I can understand the choice for euthanasia. Not just hopeless suffering, but just suffering and tribulation in general, seems pointless unless you see the bigger picture. I have been asking myself for years whether suicide (because that is what euthanasia actually is) is a cowardly or courageous act.

I can say that choosing life is a courageous choice anyway. Suffering seems pointless unless you know that through a trial you are gaining an experience that you will need, either in this life or in the next.

As a believer, it is very clear to me and I fully support the position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:  “Anyone who practices active euthanasia, or assists someone in suicide, is violating the commandments of God.”

God has clearly commanded us not to take human life. Life is sacred, your body is your temple and God has commanded us to sanctify our souls.

I must add that I have heard within the church whether people really consider suicide to be a sin. Yes, it is and remains murder and goes against the commandments, but we are not allowed to judge it. We cannot know whether the person in question was still mentally capable of making a just decision. Only God himself will be able to judge with perfect knowledge.

That is why we do not say that every suicide bomber is a sinner who will burn in hell, let that be clear.

In the church handbook I found what the church's position is and what I completely agree with regarding the end of our lives:

“If a person becomes seriously ill, members should exercise faith in the Lord and seek expert medical care. But if death is unavoidable, death should be viewed as a blessing and a meaningful part of eternal existence. Members should not feel obligated to unreasonably prolong mortal life. After seeking professional advice from a competent physician and seeking divine guidance through fasting and prayer, the decision rests with the family.”

So there is indeed a difference between active euthanasia and stopping the prolongation of a life, or therapeutic persistence.

That's why I have such a hard time with this law. With what I believe and know about our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness, I know that euthanasia is the wrong moral choice.

Especially in cases where morality has already moved far in the habituation surrounding this theme. We have already had a well-known author who did not want to suffer from dementia, or someone with a failed gender operation who committed euthanasia. And we think that's normal. It undermines the value of life and I believe that as a society we must stand up for the preservation of a morality in which the pro vita choice is central.

Because we clearly see that acceptability, morality and legislation are constantly shifting. Will the social pressure on old people in need of help ever end?  no longer to be a burden? “Come on Pepe, put on that injection, it's better for you and for us.”

Will there ever be a debate that is not about raising the retirement age but lowering the mandatory death age?

Am I extreme with those statements? Yes and I hope we never experience it. And the best way to never have to experience that is to resolutely not take that road, but to make a different choice at the crossroads.

That is why I have written to various politicians and that I will continue to oppose this legislation in a democratic manner. We have too liberal legislation on euthanasia; To extend this now to children is to give them a disrespect for life from an early age.

I continue to pray that we may be spared from more evil in these (last) days.