I am an end-of-life doula who practices in Sussex County. I want to share thoughts on the commentary by Pastor Jon Reddick regarding medical aid in dying.
I would respectfully note what he shared may be a consideration in making decisions regarding end-of-life care. That by choosing MAID, this process may negate the spiritual growth which may occur to the person as well as their family members from witnessing a strength greater than their own.
That is one consideration, but there are more.
It seems the analogy could be made for most modern medical treatments. Would making the decision to forgo dialysis or open-heart surgery be taking away the opportunity for us to receive a potential awakening as loved ones are carried by God in their struggles? Possibly.
Responsible and caring decisions need to be weighed using a risk-benefit analysis, and need to be made by the individual. I believe the Bible contains valuable teachings. From my viewpoint, the way this story was portrayed sounds as though Job's suffering was prolonged to allow for the potential benefits of loved ones experiencing God's power and strength in carrying them through.
Most folks I've journeyed with would not want their loved one to sacrifice themselves to experience more of God's strength in endurance. In fact, what they receive by witnessing this strength in endurance may be negated by witnessing a loved one struggle and suffer.
Reddick’s last line states that MAID touts love while robbing loved ones. I disagree.
The greatest love I’ve ever witnessed is when loved ones put their own needs aside to deliver a dying person's request. I believe strongly in one's right to decide what medical treatments they would like to receive. Some folks receive a cancer diagnosis and refuse any treatment. That is their decision. A decision for MAID must be made by a mentally competent individual. This choice must be honored. Society is no more playing God in this scenario than it would be by providing life-extending treatments.
MAID is an option to alleviate suffering. And God bless the loved ones who have sacrificed their needs by honoring how their loved one chooses to spend the end of their life.
Choice is paramount when in the midst of being completely powerless in the face of a terminal diagnosis. Most people who go through the consenting process for MAID do not use the option, but they are comforted in knowing they have that option. We must honor that choice.
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