News of the death of Dr. Jack Kevorkian has caused me to reflect once again on the sanctity of all human life, even life that is suffering. Dr. Kevorkian, who won himself the name “Dr. Death”, advocated for years that physician-assisted suicide was a reasonable alternative for those who were suffering from an illness that was terminal. He took part in over 130 physician-assisted suicides. Dr. Kevorkian served time in prison in the State of Michigan having been convicted of second-degree murder. He was released after serving eight years. His advocacy for physician-assisted suicide let to Oregon’s “Death with Dignity” legislation and since 1998 525 adults have taken advantage of the law and died from taking a Doctor prescribed lethal drug.
Dr. Kevorkian died in a hospital bed reportedly of kidney failure. It is said that he died peacefully and without suffering.
The Christian faith has historically declared that all human life is sacred from fertilization to the time of natural death. Today the vast majority of Christians hold to this position. The Church has held that the taking of one’s own life (suicide) or allowing others to take your life (murder) is immoral and contrary to the truth that the Lord God is the giver of life.
The Church has also historically had compassion for those who suffer whether from illness, poverty, war, or corrupt political systems. Yet, the Church knows that genuine compassion is not found in the ending of human life but in the administration of compassionate care and generous giving to the relief of suffering. Therefore, around the world it is the Church that has built hospitals, elderly care facilities, colleges that train medical professionals, built orphanages, opened schools, and given to relief efforts. The Church declares that not only is all life sacred but that death is never a solution to a problem. This is the heart of being Pro Life.
