Euthanasia / Assisted Suicide

Hello, I have been diagnosed with stage 4 bone and prostrate cancer. I am wondering if it is permissible under halacha law to use medical assisted in dying when pain gets too great and lack of quality of life? Thank you, Theron

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

I am saddened to hear about your health situation.

The preservation of life is a primary value in Judaism. In fact, saving a life, a concept known as “pikuach nefesh”, takes priority over virtually all the commandments of the Torah. One is required to violate the rules of Shabbat, Yom Kippur, and Passover if it is needed to save a life. The only exception to this is an act of murder, idolatry, and immorality, in which one is often required to give up one’s life rather than transgress these three cardinal sins.

It is forbidden for a person to take his life. While it is not for me to judge those who are going through unbearable pain and suffering, Judaism does not condone assisted suicide. Furthermore, it is forbidden for a person to assist another person in committing a forbidden act, and this is no different. Our sages teach us that "One who intentionally takes one's life has no share in the world to come."

Judaism teaches that our bodies are not our own. Our bodies are given to us in order to house our soul. The physical body is holy which is one of the reasons that it is forbidden for a Jew to get a tattoo.

While assisted suicide is forbidden, one is not necessarily required to accept aggressive, life prolonging treatment. One is often even allowed to cease such treatment after it has begun, thereby allowing the body to naturally take its course. We believe that life is sacred, granted by God, and can only be taken away by God. These decisions of when and how to continue treatment should be done with orthodox rabbinic guidance who is familiar with your medical case. I suggest that it Is best for you to approach an orthodox rabbi and he will guide and be a source of encouragement for you.

May God grant you peace and healing and may you never have to come to ponder these questions.