In New York state, where I live, euthanasia, also called physician assisted suicide has just been made legal.

In my opinion, euthanasia is gravely wrong. To commit euthanasia is failing to see the dignity and the worth of a person. If euthanasia continues to happen more frequently, human life will slowly be devalued and the use of euthanasia will cause physicians to ignore other methods of relieving pain and suffering.

The Catholic Church says that life is sacred and that people should not intervene to bring death about because God alone is Lord over life and death and all things will happen in His time. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that euthanasia is morally unacceptable and that it is grave murder contrary to the dignity of a human being and to the respect due to God, his creator.

Euthanasia isn’t even just an option, it is offered. People often do accept, because they do not want to burden others in years to come, and because the pain that some people have to endure is almost too much. There are other options though, such as hospice care and palliative care. Many people that choose euthanasia could have lived for longer as well. God could have showered that person with so many blessings. That person could have found a new meaning to their life and could have become an inspiration to others.

Euthanasia is a sad reality. We must pray for all those who euthanize others, and those who are considering being euthanized.