SOUTH Australia has become the fourth state to legalise euthanasia after the VAD 2020 Bill passed the state parliament yesterday.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe penned a letter explaining the gravity of the South Australia Government’s decision.
“It has been the constant teaching of the Catholic Church for the last two thousand years that no-one has the right to end their own life or to deliberately bring about the death of another, with the sole exception of the right of self-defence against an unjust aggressor,” Archbishop Costelloe said, referencing the recent Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith document Samaritanus Bonus.
“This conviction about the sanctity and inviolability of human life is one of the most foundational values by which we as Catholics live.
“We believe that every human life, from its earliest beginnings at conception to its final moments leading to death, is precious and sacrosanct.
“No-one has the right to ‘step in’ and bring to an end a life that has begun under God’s providence and will come to its end under God’s providence.”
He said the Church’s position rested on the fifth commandment of the Mosaic law – “you shall not kill”.
“This is, we believe, a commandment from God, the giver and sustainer of life,” he said.
“It is a law which pre-exists any government or any parliament.
“Governments have the power, given to them by those who elect them, to determine what rules are expedient in the societies they govern.
“They do not have any authority to decide what is morally acceptable.
“That authority belongs to God, who has written into the nature and structure of human life what is in harmony with God’s creative intention.”
South Australia Premier Steven Marshall said he was hopeful the new legislation would come into effect by the end of the year.
A last minute amendment to the bill came from Health Minister Stephen Wade, who sought to expand a provision that nursing homes, regardless of faith tradition, could not deny residents access to euthanasia in their facilities.
The same provision was put in place for retirement villages too.
His amendments were approved without changes.
Archbishop Costelloe said it was clear the Church’s position had not been adopted by society on euthanasia.
“In the face of this reality the Catholic community must consider how to respond,” he said.
“Firstly, we must recommit ourselves to forming and strengthening communities of faith, of hope, of mutual support and fidelity, and of love and compassion.
“It will not be enough to proclaim in words only our belief in the dignity and beauty of every human person: we will need to do so also and especially with our actions.
“Secondly, and most importantly, we must continue to support, through our prayer and our encouragement, all those who, in a very real sense on our behalf, are engaged in the healing and caring ministry of the Church.”
