"The gift of a new child, entrusted by the Lord to a father and a mother, begins with acceptance, continues with lifelong protection and has as its final goal the joy of eternal life," – Pope Francis.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's 20-page document, ‘The Good Samaritan’ warns that “Incurable cannot mean that care has come at an end”.
To those who advocate for ‘death with dignity’ Prof Des O’Neill responded that human dignity cannot be lost through disability, disease, dependency, or suffering. However he added that: “insensitive treatment or attitudes to those so affected can constitute undignified care,” and issues such as adequacy of treatment and support should be properly addressed.
"When the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of patients are met, there is no pressure for change.” – Dr Peter Saunders
“Many people fear social suffering because most people who are suffering in an incurable way lose their friends as people do not visit them any more. That is the most severe thing for them.”
Already calls for new law, demanding assisted suicide for non-terminal illnesses.
“Intentionally bringing on the death of a patient, even if he asks for it, does not constitute caring for him.”
“I welcome Parliament’s recognition of the grave risks that this bill posed to the lives of our society’s most vulnerable people” - Archbishop Peter Smith.
“Helping someone to commit suicide compromises the fundamental human dignity of both parties involved. Assisted suicide is assisted killing.”
Where laws enabling assisted suicide and euthanasia have been introduced, very quickly they are extended to those who are not terminally ill but disabled.
Unemployment is still one of Derry’s “big problems” along with the legacy of the conflict.
“We are delighted with the support of the IMO membership for standardised peri-natal palliative care protocols" - Jennifer Kehoe, spokesperson for One Day More.
Pope Francis encourages healthcare professionals and medical students to specialise in palliative care.
