“I DON’T WANT THE DEATH SHOT”: CANADIAN GRANDMOTHER’S ASSISTED DEATH RAISES SERIOUS QUESTIONS

She was 83 years old. she had cancer. and her family says she did not want to die. Now, the death of canadian grandmother Brigitte Stegemann through Canada’s medical assistance in dying program is raising serious questions. Her granddaughter alleges that Stegemann had previously rejected assisted death, even saying: “I don’t want the death shot.” The family also questions whether she was capable of giving full, informed consent. The circumstances have now been referred to authorities, and police are investigating. The family’s allegations have not yet been established as fact.

CATHOLIC TEACHING REMINDS THE WORLD: EVERY HUMAN LIFE HAS DIGNITY

But beyond this individual case lies a deeper question: what does true compassion look like when a human being is suffering? For the catholic church, the answer is clear. Illness, old age or dependence can never take away a person’s human dignity. The church rejects euthanasia — but it also rejects the idea that a dying person must be kept alive through every possible burdensome medical intervention. Instead, it calls for palliative care, pain relief, human presence and loving accompaniment.
Because true compassion does not say: “your life is no longer worth living.” it says: “your life still has value — and we will not abandon you.” A person’s worth is not measured by health… productivity… age… or independence. From the first moment of life until natural death, every human life retains its dignity.
And when someone is suffering, the Christian response is not to eliminate the person…But to stay beside them, care for them, and love them until the end.