by Father Brian Jordan
On June 9, I was present when the New York State Senate passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act, a dangerous bill, in a 35-27 vote. Then, the State Assembly passed the assisted suicide bill on April 29 by a vote of 81-67.
Because neither the Assembly nor the Senate passed the vote by a two-thirds majority, Gov. Kathy Hochul can veto the catastrophic bill with no fear of it being overridden. The question remains: Will Gov. Hochul veto this bill based on moral grounds that she believes in suicide prevention?
Time is running out. If there is no veto, New York will become the 12th state to pass a version of this bill that manipulates our teaching on the sanctity of life. In my opinion, it should have gone to a statewide referendum where voters could determine whether assisted suicide should become law.
I sincerely believe the voice of the people was not heard or carefully consulted.
The American Medical Association overwhelmingly condemned this most dangerous medical procedure. On June 9, I met qualified medical doctors, members of the Orthodox Jewish community, the African American Protestant community, the Muslim American community, and concerned Catholics who vociferously opposed the assisted suicide bill. One brave member raised a sign saying, “IF IT IS ASSISTED, THEN IT IS NOT SUICIDE.”
How true those words are! How is it suicide if two medical doctors are helping the terminally ill patient take these fatal medications? This is not death with dignity. It is a travesty of moral certitude. What is next on the minds of state lawmakers?
Canada already has assisted suicide as a medical practice. Their legislature recently allowed assisted suicide for non-terminal patients. It is conceivable their society and our own can start prescribing assisted suicide for those with mental health problems, are homeless, or physically disabled.
Yes, insurance companies would save a lot of money if the removal of members of society deemed not useful were to be eliminated. However, Catholic Social Teaching emphasizes the importance of the dignity of the human person, regardless of whether they are deemed “useful” or a public charge. They have the right to live and be cared for like any other person in a civilized society.
When I saw the Sisters of Life praying in the hallways of the State Capitol, I was inspired by their witness to the culture of life and to prophetically denounce the culture of death. We are the body of Christ.
All bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Respect life in all forms: born and unborn.
Father Brian Jordan is the pastor of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Midtown.