June 1, 2026

Massachusetts bishops urge the faithful to say no to physician assisted suicide

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

SPRINGFIELD — Bishop William D. Byrne together with the bishops of Massachusetts are calling on Catholics to oppose physician suicide legislation which is being considered by lawmakers. House Bill 2505 and Senate Bill 1486 called “An Act Relative to End of Life Concerns,” would allow a physician to provide a lethal drug to a person diagnosed with less than six months to live. Both bills sit in two separate committees. House Bill 2505 is in the Joint Committee on Healthcare Finance and Senate Bill1486 is in Senate Ways and Means. Massachusetts lawmakers have until the end of the legislative session, July 31, to consider these bills, which can come out for a vote at any time.

“The true investment needs to be made not in killing people but in better healthcare, palliative care. We need to kill the pain not the person,” said Bishop Byrne. Parishes included an insert in the bulletins the weekend of May 30-31 explaining the concern about physician assisted suicide (PAS).

The Massachusetts Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops of Massachusetts, points out the following flaws in the physician assisted suicide legislation:

1) A DEADLY PRESCRIPTION – The bill would allow a physician to provide a deadly drug mixture to an individual diagnosed with less than 6 months to live that, when consumed, would cause death. NOTE – The diagnosis could be wrong. Countless individuals have outlived that 6-month diagnosis and enjoyed many more precious months and years with family.

2.) NO REAL SAFEGUARDS – A vulnerable individual who is physically disabled, depressed, or fears being a “burden” may be subject to undue influence by others to take the drug mixture, especially if there is a financial benefit as an incentive.

 3.) MISPLACED PRIORITIES – The primary focus of elected officials should be dedicated to legislation providing quality health care, mental health care and palliative care to the sick and dying – particularly in the underserved, poor and minority communities that suffer the most at the time of need.

Father Daniel Pacholec is the director of Pro-Life Activities for the Diocese of Springfield and the pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield.

“There could easily become this push that the minute you’re not productive that you should consider ending your life or society will apply that pressure and say don’t put a burden on the healthcare system or don’t put a burden on your family,” said Father Pacholec.

Physician assisted suicide was narrowly defeated in 2012 in a ballot initiative. Since then it has been reintroduced several times in the legislature. Proponents of the measure say it’s compassionate care.

“It’s called death with dignity or compassionate care, all of these euphemisms to make something that is really actually murder look like, like the abortion issue, look somehow acceptable. It’s not,” said Bishop Byrne. “God is the author of life. We have the capability to help people die with dignity without killing them.”

Currently, Washington, D.C. and the following states allow physician-assisted suicide: Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine, New Mexico and New York.

The bishops are urging Catholics to call or email their state senator or state representative to voice opposition.

For more information go to: macatholic.org