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Religions offer their perspective on assisted suicide

……….. Yet the question remains for me (Christian) : Is autonomy the highest good? If so, then assisted death is a logical step. If we value community, might we consider how the community can support the person who feels burdened by illness or aging? Are we as a society prepared to provide financial resources for palliative care and community supports for those living with chronic illness in order to support the dignity of all no matter what phase of life they are in? Are we ready to discuss suffering, or as Christians name this, the theology of the cross? Might we consider illness or aging an invitation into our becoming more fully human?

……………….. As Buddhists, we believe we should be given the opportunity to manage our own passing, keeping in mind the karmic impact of our actions, thoughts and words. It is the practice in our Buddhist traditions to live with an awareness of death and actively prepare for its eventuality. Right now it means thinking about the kind of funeral we want, as well of putting our legal affairs in order. Some people even write their own death poem. These actions are a kind of meditation on death, supported by ongoing spiritual practice and ritual. In the future, this may even involve legally developed plans for a possible physician-assisted suicide.

.…………… From an Islamic perspective, the act of euthanasia is unacceptable. Legalizing assisted suicide may seem like an acceptable solution to end suffering. It may even lessen the burden on the health-care system. Yet, this solution may very well end up bringing suffering to many others — one that may be so distressing and silent that its true extent may remain unknown for a very long time.

…………… As Hindus, we cannot condone taking away life bestowed by God. Whatever arguments we may bring in favour of assisted suicide, as Hindus we see it as killing, plain and simple. It should be abhorred, in order to prevent violence. We are all part of God. God gives us life, and no person should try to take it away.

…….. Judaism makes itself very clear: In some way, shape, or form, we are always obligated to choose life. Therefore, for Jews, the prospect of physician-assisted suicide — in which, by common agreement, a doctor would actively aid someone in ending their life — is completely outside the religious universe of discourse.

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