Talk of assisted suicide is 'frightening' and aims at those 'most vulnerable' says Bishop of Limerick

BISHOP Brendan Leahy has said the growing discourse surrounding assisted suicide is “frightening”.

Speaking during his homily at mass from University Hospital Limerick, last Sunday, Bishop Leahy explained:

"It aims at people precisely when they are most vulnerable in their decision-making powers.”

Bishop Leahy also made a particular reference to caring for people for whom the prognosis is not positive and that discussions on assisted suicide is a step too far.

“Expanding pastoral care services in healthcare facilities across this island and ensuring palliative care for those at the end of life, are essential steps in upholding and defending human dignity.

The immense deeds of healthcare workers are not always recognized and should not be drowned out by crises in healthcare, Bishop Leahy said on the Jubilee Year ‘Day of the Sick’.

He added that we must remember the sick and those who suffer in silence, the lonely, the anxious, and those battling depression or mental illness.

But, he said, we must equally remember those who dedicate their lives to caring for the sick, especially doctors, nurses, paramedics, chaplains, carers and all working in hospitals, hospices and homes. 

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“If we think back to COVID, the courage and bravery of health staff, particularly in the early days when the world was terrified as the death-toll soared, they went to work each and every day not knowing what the impact on their lives would be. If anyone needs reminding, have a look at the St John’s Hospital ‘House of Courage’ video which gives an insight into just how awfully hard that was. Here at UHL and other healthcare settings around the country, that’s the courage, dedication and care that we see,” Bishop Leahy said.

“What healthcare workers did during COVID should have been the watershed for everyone to never forget just how they truly are frontline heroes caring for the sick. Yet they continue to grapple with inadequate resources but do so unrelenting in their vocation to help others.”

Bishop Leahy said that healthcare workers “always keep the light on”, no matter what the challenge, even when they are themselves exhausted. 

"A nurse told me last year that when she started out in nursing school, the religious sister who was training them said to the class, you must love the sick because it is not easy to be with people who are sick when they are tired, worn down, short perhaps in patience.

“So much credit is due to those involved in healthcare. Perhaps we don’t always recognise their great work. Stories about this or that shortage makes big news. We know the phenomenon that one tree falling makes more noise than a whole forest growing," Bishop Leahy stated.

“Healthcare is to be valued. As Pope Francis constantly reminds us, healthcare must not become solely focused on economics and scientific advancements at the expense of the human dignity of the patient."