The Netherlands has became the first country in the world to legalize euthanasia after its Senate passed legislation April 10 allowing for “mercy killings.”

Dr. Allan Handysides, director of health ministries for the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide, says euthanasia is contrary to the Christian worldview, which sees life as something that is precious and God-given. “It is not our role to kill,” says Handysides.  He says the Adventist Church has a role to play in helping others see the vast moral gulf between withdrawing life support systems in some circumstances, and engaging in euthanasia.

An official statement released by the Adventist Church in 1992 draws a sharp distinction between “foregoing medical interventions that only prolong suffering and postpones the moment of death” and “actions that have as their primary intention the direct taking of a life.” Drawing on Biblical principles of the value of human life, the statement rejects euthanasia and affirms the Adventist Church’s commitment to “revealing God’s grace by minimizing suffering.”

Under the Netherlands’ legislation, doctors will still face prosecution if they fail to follow strict rules. The new law states that adult patients must have made a “voluntary,” “well-considered,” and “lasting” request to die.  To be eligible under the law, patients must also “face a future of unbearable suffering” and there must be “no reasonable alternative.”  A second doctor must be consulted and life must be ended “in a medically appropriate way.”

In November 2000, the main body, or lower house, of the Dutch legislature voted 104 to 40 to pass the law allowing for doctor-assisted suicides for terminally ill patients.  Last week’s Senate action confirmed the lower house vote. The 75-member senate voted 46 to 28 in favor of the measure, which will take effect when the Queen of the Netherlands signs it into law.