Thursday, February 11, 2010

End of Life Issues

The Irish Times reports [4.2.10] on the guide on spiritual care of the dying published by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

The report gives various quotations from the publication, but does not comment on it.
Meanwhile, it is reported that ‘six people from Ireland have taken their lives at a Swiss-based assisted suicide service since its foundation, according to figures released by the organisation. … Although suicide ceased to be a crime in the Republic in 1993, the law states that the act of suicide must be achieved without assistance.

According to gardaí [police] a person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the suicide of another could be arrested and imprisoned for up to 14 years, even if the suicide occurs abroad.’ [IT, 8.1.10]