Nursing care when assisted suicide is just another treatment option

 As the assisted suicide debates rumble on in the House of Lords and the Scottish Parliament, here are excerpts from an article written by a palliative care nurse who used to work in Switzerland where assisted suicide is not considered illegal.

It cannot be denied that there are exceptions to the rule where death – especially a prolonged suffering from certain diseases – is drawn out and unpleasant to experience for the individual, the family, and carers watching and supporting day by day. It is rare though, that these situations cannot be handled with good medical input. There are situations where managing symptoms with particular medical interventions may risk shortening someone’s life – but it would never be the intent. The aim of palliative care is always to relieve symptoms. ……..

A famous quote from Dame Cicley Saunders says it well: ‘You matter because you are you and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.’ It is not giving them the option to end it all and thereby putting pressure on them to do so. Sadly though, our society no longer wants to accept that managing suffering of various kinds is part of human life in a fallen world. Our individualistic thinking leads towards fighting for the right to die in so-called ‘dignity’ rather than highlighting our responsibility to care for the sick and dying. We can even endeavour to care for them exceptionally well, thereby showing them that they are valued no matter what. 

Do we as Christians just agree that assisted suicide is wrong or are we willing to show how much we truly care for the vulnerable, the sick, the elderly, and the dying? Do we expect local charities to take on that responsibility? Do you visit the sick and the elderly in your church family? Do you willingly and readily support your own family members that need you?

How else will they know that they are made in the image of God with a dignity that does not fade no matter how seemingly limited they are in what they can do or what they are suffering? Please don’t just leave it to the healthcare professionals – every one of us can make a difference, no matter how small, in how those who suffer perceive themselves! 

by Esther Schmidheiny

View whole article in Evangelical Times here

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