The right to die with dignity

Everyone is entitled to his or her view about the sanctity of life.  For some, life is an opportunity to earn and/or demonstrate the right to a life after death. For others, life is the sole purpose of being born and only memories with the living survive a person’s last breath. For all, the process of life is a wonderful, challenging, beautiful and sometimes horrendous adventure. It is a gift beyond thanks, a prize we are well blessed with. We must treat life decently. 

The right to life for others is our responsibility regardless of our beliefs - or lack of them -  in Supreme Power. As a species we have not yet learnt this well enough to live it fully but many of us understand it and do our best to practice it.

We all die. When that happens seems to be somewhat randomly decided, at least in the opinion of those who do not believe in a universal plan for all existence. The fortunate die quietly and peacefully. We all hope to do that. The less fortunate may suffer pain, fear, loss of mind or loss of bodily control. When the chances of survival depend on a miracle, those who believe in the possibility of one are fully entitled to all the help we can give them to survive.

Increasingly subsidised and free health services are proof that we are trying to fulfil that obligation as well as resources will allow. For some people at some stage of their life the resources can no longer reasonably expect to support them decently. We do not want anyone to suffer unnecessarily unless they choose to for reasons of their belief. Nobody should be compelled to die. With the armed conflicts going on in the world you may wonder why we are not living up to that ideal. We have some way to go to practice the right to life. That mustn’t stop us trying. 

The British change fundamental laws slowly and reluctantly. They are right to take their time. Britain has passed a law which, with significant safeguards, will allow people to have medical help to end their life in specific and serious circumstances.

I congratulate the British Parliament for a change in the law that was difficult to make but that can be summed up by one word - love. I hope my love for my fellow human extends to allowing him or her to die with dignity if they want to when all reasonable hope of life has gone. 

May our life be peaceful and may our death be dignified.

Amen.

Good morning

John Bittleston

And may any contribution to the subject that you would like to make - and that we will welcome - be one of love first. And may we not be dogmatic, even about that.