End of Life Issues
Background
In Support of Life is a comprehensive long term strategy designed to
promote formation, education,
policies and services that ensure compassionate
and competent care of the dying. The plan grew out of the work of
the statewide committee convened by the Massachusetts Catholic Conference
in early 1997 to
oppose legislation introduced to legalize physician-assisted suicide.
It was quickly recognized that once the immediate task was addressed,
there were many
needs and issues to confront.
In Support of Life has seven objectives:
- To develop a comprehensive educational plan which clearly articulates
the Church’s consistent life ethic with a focus on end-of-life
issues.
- To put in place effective public relations and media strategies to
communicate a convincing argument against physician-assisted suicide
which is consistent
with the Church’s position.
- To encourage spiritual support and practical assistance for the terminally
ill, the dying and their families by all parishes.
- To facilitate leadership and encourage participation by young people
in the Church’s mission to promote the dignity of the human
person in regard to end-of-life issues.
- To be pro-active in legislative and public policy initiatives to enhance
care for the dying.
- To draw together the expertise and commitment of leaders in medicine, law,
ethics and religion to help address the many facets of this effort and to
secure other denominational and organizational allies.
- To engage Catholic agencies and affiliated organizations in a coordinated
interdiocesan and intradiocesan implementation of the action plan.
The threat of the legalization of physician-assisted suicide remains a
clear and present danger. Beyond the continuing need to provide education
and impact
the public debate, In Support of Life demonstrates a strong commitment
to utilize all available resources to meet the needs of the terminally ill,
their loved ones and professional caregivers.
The Director of Health Care Ministry is Convener of the Archdiocesan Pastoral
Task Force on End-of-Life and a member of the Statewide Pastoral Task Force.
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