Medicine can only do so much. This is why we have an entire specialty dedicated to providing comfort to people with incurable illnesses and to easing their transition out of this life. This specialty, called palliative care, includes hospice care. Most people have had some interaction with these dedicated caregivers, if only in the care of their own family members. This is a wonderful thing, and it gives enormous solace to the dying and to their loved ones.

However, there are those who believe the best way to handle incurable pain or illness is to hasten death by assisted suicide. In other countries and other states, this is the law.

On the surface, this trend has a veneer of compassion, and I believe some advocates really do care about easing suffering. I admit there are times when I see their point — at least intellectually — even if I disagree.

Unfortunately, this is also a dangerous trend. The length of this column precludes an exhaustive discussion of the problems with assisted suicide. However, perhaps the most concerning reason to oppose it is that those offered the option of assisted suicide might choose to die because they don’t want to be a bother. Because their care is time-consuming and costly, they might consider it their duty to allow someone to help end their lives. The dying might feel they are indeed doing the best thing for their families.

While I and many believing physicians think we should not prolong someone’s life with futile care, we do not in any way believe we should intentionally end their lives — not only because it is immoral and anti-Christian, but because the inclusion criteria will only grow larger and larger (from cancer to depression, from adults to children, for instance).

Furthermore, “assisted” suicide requires the collusion of another person, possibly a healthcare provider, someone who has dedicated himself or herself to the preservation of life, not its taking. While some might embrace that career, perhaps viewing themselves as “death experts” (thanatologists), I can imagine a time when physicians who disagree are compelled to engage in assisted suicide against their consciences. This would likely result in an exodus of caring, Christian physicians from the profession.

I hope that we as a body of believers can oppose this trend with compassion and understanding as well as solid doctrine and dedication to truth. This is the season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Christ came to take away our fear of death and offer us life-everlasting in Him. He healed the sick and raised the dead. It seems contrary to all He taught to intentionally kill the sick, rather than using our skills and technology to comfort them till the very end.

Merry Christmas!