Our faith teaches us that each moment of our lives is a gift from God. Even in the face of suffering or limited ability, life is always meaningful. Our human dignity and value never diminish. The practice of assisted suicide tragically rejects the truth that every life is worth living.

Asking to die is a cry for help. People considering suicide want to escape what they perceive to be an intolerable situation, inaccurately believing that death is their only way out. A person requesting assisted suicide is often asking, “Does anyone want me to be alive, or care enough to talk me out of this and support me through this difficult time?”

While the practice of assisted suicide is often the result of misguided mercy, laws permitting assisted suicide erroneously communicate the idea that, under difficult circumstances, some lives are not worth living. Sadly, this tragically false message will be heard not only by those with a terminal illness, but by any person struggling with the temptation to end his or her life.

The dying process is a sacred time—a final season to seek closure in this life and prepare for the next in the hope of sharing in Christ’s Resurrection. We are called to accompany those entering this season of life, surrounding them with life-affirming love, support, and compassion.