THE RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY
WHEREAS, medical knowledge and technology make possible the mechanical prolongation of life; and
WHEREAS, such prolongation may cause unnecessary suffering and/or loss of dignity while providing little or nothing of benefit to the individual; and
WHEREAS, such procedures have an impact upon a health-care system in which services are limited and are inequitably distributed; and
WHEREAS, differences exist among people over religious, moral, and legal implications of administering aid in dying when an individual of sound mind has voluntarily asked for such aid; and
WHEREAS, obstacles exist within our society against providing support for an individual’s declared wish to die; and
WHEREAS, many counselors, clergy, and health-care personnel value prolongation of life regardless of the quality of life or will to live;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu calls upon its congregations and individual Unitarian Universalists to examine attitudes and practices in our society relative to the ending of life, as well as those in other countries and cultures; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That The First Unitarian Church of Honolulu affirms its support for the Advance Health Care Directive under the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act that became effective in Hawaii on July 1, 1999, and seeks assurance that this document will be properly honored; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That The First Unitarian Church of Honolulu advocates the right to self-determination in dying, and the release from civil or criminal penalties of those who, under proper safeguards, act to honor the right of terminally ill patients to select the time of their own deaths; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That The First Unitarian Church of Honolulu advocates safeguards against abuses by those who would hasten death contrary to an individual’s desires; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: That The First Unitarian Church of Honolulu and its members and friends, acting through its congregation, memorial societies, and appropriate organizations, inform and petition legislators to support legislation that will create legal protection for The Right To Die With Dignity, in accordance with one’s own choice.
Passed: January 19, 2003 Reaffirmed: November 18, 2012 Â Edited and Proposed: November 6, 2017