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On the passing of the Voluntary Assisted Dying bill.

The Culture of Death has taken another great stride. The Chronicle of Shame has another tragic addition.

The pro-autonomy, “I did it my way”, “every man did what was right in his own eyes” mindset, ignoring the consequences of euthanasia in the rest of the world, ignoring 20^th century history, has had a big win but lost its soul.

It has discounted the advice of Palliative Care Doctors across Australia, ignored the November 2019 declarations of the World Medical Association and the Australian Medical Association, and failed to heed the warnings of the 1996 50^th anniversary of the Nuremberg Doctor’s Trial that Medicine should be above state-based strategies.

Were we heard? Yes, we were. I think the voices opposing euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, voluntary assisted dying were possibly better prepared and heard more than ever before. We were given time, but it made no difference to the outcome.

The cry for relief in terminal suffering won the day, and that is how the debate was framed. Even after the bill passed through the Upper House, the Premier of Western Australia was quoted (Sunday Times Dec 8, 2019) as saying that the bill would “provide choice to those people suffering and in agony, in their final moments of their lives”, and yet it is evident that such can always be relieved, as clearly stated by those who know how to give such care.

The public has been deceived. The politicians, who should have known more, have allowed this deception. Some honour in politics was evident in the debate and conclusions in the Upper House, but very little in the appropriately-named Lower House.

But it is Christmas. And in the midst of the contrasts evident in our own society, once again we can celebrate. Consider the evil of that first Christmas time – a time of terror, of tyranny and treachery in high places, a time when evil appeared to be unfettered, a time of uncertainty and a despot ruled.

But in the midst of this a baby was born and Heaven rejoiced. Some special people came to worship, and some very fortunate shepherds witnessed the rejoicing of the angels and also came to wonder and worship. Then there was Herod and the babes of Bethlehem…

Despite the setback, we still can say we live in the lucky country, and we can still celebrate Christmas.

It is Christmas. Glory to God in the highest. Remember, wonder and worship. Celebrate!

The King of Kings is born in Bethlehem and the heavens are open to wide-eyed shepherds. Sing, dance, exchange gifts and good wishes. Forgive, be at peace with one another. There is something bigger than ourselves.

The King of Kings is born in Bethlehem.

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Originally published at Choose Life Australia.