Fear of Trend Toward Euthanasia
Jan 13, 2005
Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of Lyon has expressed serious concerns about a trend toward acceptance of euthanasia in France.
Rome, Feb. 5 2004 (CWNews.com) - Cardinal Barbarin spoke of his fears during a February 5 press conference in Rome, at which he outlined plans for the 12th annual World Day for the Sick, which will be observed at the Marian shrine of Lourdes next week, from February 9 to 11.
When questioned about euthanasia, the French cardinal said that the political situation in France has been adversely affected by new laws allowing doctor-assisted suicide in Belgium and Holland. With a French commission expected to recommend new policies this month, Cardinal Barbarin said that there is pressure for France to follow the example of the other European countries.
He reported: "We often hear the argument in France-even though it makes no sense-that if a little country like Belgium can do it, we shouldn't be left behind." The cardinal said that he is becoming "more and more" active in asking Catholic scientists, researchers, and medical professionals-as well as political leaders-to take a stand in favor of preserving the dignity of human life.
Cardinal Barbarin said that the political debate has also been clouded by intense concerns about preserving the "secularity" of the French government. Those concerns have been highlighted by the heated public disputes over the display of religious symbols in public schools-disputes that arose because of the increasingly assertive Muslim population in France.
In reaction to Muslim claims, some French opinion leaders have called for new efforts to eliminate all religious influence on political debates.
Fear of Trend Toward Euthanasia