Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rio Negro (Agenzia Fides) - The 'Dignity of human life' has been reaffirmed by the Bishops of Rio Negro region (dioceses of Alto Valle, San Carlos de Bariloche and Viedma) after the approval on 29 November of the so-called 'worthy death' law,
According to the new 'worthy death law' anyone suffering from a terminal illness or incurably disabled after an accident has the 'right' to refuse surgical means of hydration and artificial reanimation. Moreover if the patient is not in a condition to make such a decision, the decision may be made by the husband or wife, legal representative or a direct descendant.
In a statement with the title 'Dignity of human life' addressed to the people of the province the Bishops cite a previous message sent to provincial legislators on 11 July in which they made clear the position of the Church with regard to the proposed law (see Fides 13/7/2007), and they affirm that none of the Bishops received a reply or an invitation to dialogue on the matter.
The Bishops recall the Church's position with regard to "prolonged exaggerated therapy", expressed in the previous message and say "when faced with inevitable death despite treatment given, a decision can be taken to stop treatment which would necessarily prolong a precarious and painful life, but normal treatment to the patient in these cases should continue". They recall that "giving of food and water is always a natural means of preserving life, not a medical action and is therefore ordinary and proportioned…to stop giving a patient food and water means leaving them to die of thirst and hunger". The Bishops conclude "religious assistance is a right and valid assistance for every patient but especially one in the last stages of life ”, if well received, “religious assistance can transform pain into an act of redemptive love in view of full life and happiness in God ". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 10/12/2007; righe 28, parole 386)
