Euthanasia - An 'Australian First'

About six months ago Australia's Northern Territory State Legislature became the first In the world to legalize euthanasia in relation to terminally ill patients.

Under the Northern Territory law, a terminally ill adult patient may now formally ask for death to put an end to suffering. Two doctors are required to certify that the illness is terminal, and one of them must have psychiatric qualifications. A 'cooling off period' of seven days must then elapse before the patient signs a certificate of request. After a further forty-eight hours the way is legally clear for life to be terminated.

There has of course been much debate about euthanasia in many countries for a long time. 'Right to Die' societies are organized to promote the view that people should be free to choose painless death under medical control, rather than endure the trauma of severe suffering during terminal illness. 'Right to Life' groups strongly oppose euthanasia on ethical, legal and medical grounds. There are problematic complications for the medical profession, as shown by the Australian Medical Association's strong opposition to the bill which was finally passed by the Northern Territory's legislature.

However, in a number of countries there has been growing support for the idea of euthanasia for the terminally ill. The development in Australia's Northern Territory will be watched keenly by euthanasia advocates elsewhere, and is almost certain to encourage similar legislation in course of time.

It is understandable from a natural viewpoint why many feel attracted to this means of avoiding traumatic suffering through terminal illness. If they are in any case to die, they reason, why not take advantage of modern medical science to short-circuit the physical pain and psychological strain, both for themselves and their loved ones? Is it not also but a fine distinction between acknowledged euthanasia and the medical judgement often required in deciding the extent to which life-prolonging treatment is given?

Opponents of euthanasia emphasize the obvious dangers: that a patient might uncharacteristically opt for earlier death at a time of temporary depression; that in some cases of long terminal illness some medical breakthrough might provide a chance of recovery; or even the possibility of manipulation by ill-motivated persons who stand to gain financially by the patient's earlier demise. The relevant point is also made that control of pain in terminal situations has been remarkably improved in recent years.

What then should be the Christian's attitude to euthanasia? Do scriptural principles have any bearing? From many important scriptural truths bearing on the subject the following are selected for consideration.

God being the giver and sustainer of human life, only He should decide its termination:

'In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind' (Job 12:10)

'... the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways

(Dan. 5:23)

'For in Him we live, and move, and have our being ...' (Acts 17:28).

Would believers wish to take the matter out of the hand of an all-wise, all-loving God? Should they not rather trustfully say with David, 'My times are in Thy hand'? (Ps. 31:15).

Christian perspectives on death should include the truth of Psalm 116:15, 'Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints'. For when physical strength ebbs away, spiritual assurance shown by those who know God has greatly glorified Him. Hebrews 11:21,22 highlights the faith of both Jacob and Joseph in their dying moments, as do David's last words in 2 Samuel 23:1-7.

The Lord Jesus revealed to Peter 'by what manner of death he should glorify God' (John 21:19). It was to be death by torture in agonizing pain. Whatever the permitted circumstances of death, grace will be supplied to enable all who trust in Him to glorify His Name. Right to the end of the way the promise holds good: 'God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (tried) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (trial) make also the way of escape, that he may be able to endure it' (1 Cor. 10:13).

'Our times are in Thy hand.

O God, we wish them there;

Our lives, our souls, our all, we leave

Entirely to Thy care...

Our times are in Thy hand;

We'd always trust in Thee,

Till we, in yonder heavenly land,

Thyself in glory see'.

unknown | Oct 1995
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