Connecticut Catholic
Public Affairs
Conference
           Representing the Archdiocese of Hartford,
         Diocese of Bridgeport, Diocese of Norwich
         and the Ukrainian Diocese of Stamford
 
 
       134 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105      860-524-7882
 
 
BISHOPS APPROVE STATEMENT OPPOSING PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE; CALL ON CATHOLICS TO GIVE SUPPORT TO THE DYING, ENSURE THEIR LEGAL PROTECTION
June 16, 2011
 
 To live in a manner worthy of our human dignity, and to spend our final days on this earth in peace and comfort, surrounded by loved ones—that is the hope of each of us. In particular, Christian hope sees these final days as a time to prepare for our eternal destiny.
To Live Each Day with Dignity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rejects Attempt to
 Overturn Ban on
Assisted Suicide
June 2010

        

 
 

 

 

 

 
Physician-Assisted Suicide Legislation is Dead in
                                 Connecticut
         Public Health Committee Fails to Act on
                                 Proposed Bill
 

A special thanks to all of you who emailed, called and petitioned our legislators. Your efforts made the defeat of this legislation possible.     
 

   On March 20th, a public hearing on HB 6645 was held by the Public Health Committee. At that hearing a large number of people, from all walks of life, voiced their opinions against physician-assisted suicide. Many others made phone calls, sent emails and signed our petition encouraging the committee members to oppose HB 6645. The voices of those opposed to physician-assisted suicide were heard. The committee deadline for action on the bill was this past Friday, April 5th. HB 6645 was listed on the committee's agenda for a vote, but one was never taken, due to a lack of support among committee members from both political parties.    

   Needless to say, those of you who sent emails, made phone calls and signed our petition helped defeat this terrible piece of legislation. Again, thank you for your help.
 
 

 

Statement of American Medical Society on Physician-Assisted Suicide


 "It is understandable, though tragic, that some patients in extreme duress--such as those suffering from a terminal, painful, debilitating illness--may come to decide that death is preferable to life. However, allowing physicians to participate in assisted suicide would cause more harm than good. Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks.

Instead of participating in assisted suicide, physicians must aggressively respond to the needs of patients at the end of life. Patients should not be abandoned once it is determined that cure is impossible. Multidisciplinary interventions should be sought including specialty consultation, hospice care, pastoral support, family counseling, and other modalities. Patients near the end of life must continue to receive emotional support, comfort care, adequate pain control, respect for patient autonomy, and good communication."

Issued June 1994 based on the reports "Decisions Near the End of Life," adopted June 1991, and "Physician-Assisted Suicide," adopted December 1993 (JAMA. 1992; 267: 2229-33); Updated June 1996.