Ministry of Care and Companionship

If someone wants to die by euthanasia, how can we respond to help them choose life? First, we need to listen. Careful listening will help them feel safe to share their innermost thoughts about what led them to this conclusion. We need to help them vocalize their suffering. This requires vulnerability and great trust. Once they are honest about their true feelings, they may be willing to undertake some brainstorming about other ways to deal with the feelings that are at the root of their decision. A commitment to accompany the person through whatever they face can give them the courage to live through their dying process.