vad essay Flashcards
vad
Voluntary assisted dying is the term that refers to the assistance provided to a person by a health practitioner to end their life.
“to access VAD in WA or victoria a person must meet a strict criterion, decision making legal capacity and suffer an incurable, advanced and progressive disease, illness or medical condition which causes them unbearable suffering which cannot be relieved, as well as meet other requirements” (Medical Indemnity Protection Society)
Majority of Australian citizens support this decision to legalise VAD. “Surveys show that around 85% of Australians support the legalisation of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) to allow for better choice at the end of life.” (Go Gentle Australia, 2019). As of 19th of May 2022 (day before our exam) it became legal in all Australian states supporting the beliefs of the majority of Australian citizens.
why the catholic church responds
Voluntary Assisted Dying is a current issue in Australian society which the Catholic Church does not support. The Catholic church believes that Voluntary assisted dying violates their beliefs and values. Catholics believe that human life is the most basic gift given from God, therefore Euthanasia and assisted suicide are contrary to a Catholic understanding of life.
“No-one can make an attempt on the life of an innocent person without opposing God’s love for that person, without violating the fundamental right and therefore without committing a crime of the utmost gravity” (Bishop’s Advisory Panel on Sanctity of Life Issues, 2020.) The basis of this belief is the fifth Commandment “thou shall not kill” because it is a law given directly from God for his people to follow.
“shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13)
what the catholic church is doing
Due to the catholic beliefs and values not aligning with the legalisation of Voluntary Assisted Dying they will/have implemented several alternatives to prevent people choosing VAD.
One of these ways is offering palliative care as an alternative. Palliative care is healthcare that aims to relieve the suffering of patients, but not cure them, it is provided for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for chronic diseases, and patients who are dying.
A second way they will be attempting to prevent VAD is by not allowing it in their Catholic hospitals such as St John of God. “We will not provide death, or support the provision of death, as a treatment for suffering.” (Bishop statement, 2018) because it does not align with their beliefs and values.
