South African Supreme Court strikes down physician assisted suicide, but the ruling comes with a worrisome twist

Ruling suggests Parliament should take up issue.

The Supreme Court of South Africa has overturned a ruling that could allow physicians to assist a patient who wants to commit suicide. The decision is a life affirming one, with one small detail to cause concern. Thankfully, the court is upholding the importance and sanctity of life.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- The Supreme Court of South Africa has overturned a lower court ruling that a physician is entitled to provide "a lethal agent" to euthanize a patient or to allow the patient to euthanize themselves.

The Court overturned the 2015 decision saying it was made in haste, and that the applicant died before the decision was rendered. The court also pointed out that the national law was inadequate to deal with the case.

Life affirming advocates briefed the court and were thanked for their contribution.

Current law allows a patient to refuse lifesaving treatment, but forbids a physician to aid in the hastening of death with the intent to do so. The court recognizes that some palliative care may hasten death, but this is acceptable if the intent of the treatment is not to hasten it.

The Court then advised Parliament to take up the matter. On this point, advocates of life may differ.

By referring the question to Parliament, the Supreme Court is suggesting that lawmakers somehow have the right to legalize physician assisted suicide, which is another form of murder. God and Natural Law are in opposition to the practice of euthanasia in all its forms.

Life, and its inception, and end, are solely within the realm of God.

This fact does not stop lawmakers around the globe from passing laws that facilitate the unnatural end of human life. Government routinely reserves to itself the right to order death penalties, abortions, and now euthanasia. Such hubris is sinful and morally repugnant. But that's what governments do; that's what people do.

It is important that the people of South Africa prepare themselves for a lengthy public debate on the topic of euthanasia. The Court's decision will prompt the introduction of the question to Parliament. Unless the people make their opposition to this deadly and immoral practice clear, the proponents may drown out all discourse, and Parliament may pass an evil law.

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