PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE

In 2016, physician-assisted suicide was legalized in Colorado when voters approved Proposition 106, “Access to Medical Aid in Dying.” Colorado statues have been changed to include the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act, which allows Colorado doctors to write a suicide prescription for a consenting person who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness with six months or less to live.

As disciples of Our Lord, we know that life is a gift from God. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us.

Additionally, suicide contradicts our natural inclination to preserve and perpetuate our life, and it also contradicts the way Jesus Christ accepted death.

Due to the significant risk of a Funeral Mass leading people to think the Church accepts PAS, the bishops of Colorado have decided to only allow Christian Burial for those who have committed PAS. Funeral Masses, Liturgies of the Word and paraliturgies are not permitted. Some days after the burial, loved ones are encouraged to have Masses said for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

For more information on Physician-Assisted Suicide, visit archden.org/life