“In many of those settings, the elderly, those with dementia, those experiencing severe depression or anxiety may be candidates for this form of ‘treatment.’ Although advocates of medically assisted suicide will deny it until the cows come home, this law puts the entire state squarely on the slipperiest slope,” the American bishop warned.
Minnesota is one of at least a dozen states currently considering liberalizing their assisted suicide laws. As of last year, nearly a quarter (21.6%) of the US population lived in a state that has legalized physician-assisted suicide.
In his article, the prelate urged Catholics to speak out against the bill, which is sponsored by 24 Minnesota Democratic lawmakers and is currently in committee.
“(Call) all your representatives or senators, write to the governor, talk to your friends and neighbors, circulate a petition. And for those in other parts of the country, I urge you to stay vigilant. If this legislation hasn’t reached your state yet, it probably will soon. If you defend the culture of life, fight for it!” concluded Mons. Barrón.