Every year, the Archdiocese of Melbourne celebrates Respect
Life Sunday in October. Focusing on respect for human life and the family,
resources are produced to positively contribute to the conversations
surrounding key issues in our community.
This year, Respect Life Sunday is celebrated with the theme – Be Not
Afraid: The Gift of Palliative Care. Resources developed focus on important
end of life issues including planning for the end of life, palliative care and
euthanasia.
Key
resources produced include a printed brochure as well as video resources.
Respect Life Sunday 2015 Resources
Resources mentioned in Be Not Afraid: The Gift of Palliative Care
- My Future
Care
It is important to reflect on one’s
future health care needs. This resource from Catholic Health Australia provides
information for people considering their future health care needs, and guidance
for health care professionals.
- Advance Care Plans
Advance care plan guidelines for patients and medical practitioners can be found on the website of Catholic Health Australia.
- Real
Love, Care & Compassion
Produced by the Australian Catholic
Bishops’ Conference, this resource provides useful information on the dangers
of euthanasia and assisted suicide.
- Stephanie's Journey
Stephanie Packer is a terminally ill
wife and mother of four fighting against assisted suicide with a powerful story
to tell.
Additional Resources
Personal Stories (Videos)
- Death with Dignity
This video features an
inspirational message from a wife and mother of four with advanced
incurable kidney cancer. 
- Kaye’s Story
After
being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma Kaye experienced the invaluable
gift of early intervention from a palliative care team, who provided her with necessary emotional and physical support.
- Marmaduke’s Story
Marmaduke’s story highlights
the importance of holistic care for children living with potentially
life-limiting illnesses as well as support for their family members.
- Man of Steel
When JJ was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most
aggressive form of brain cancer, he decided to fight for his wife, his son and
his life with hope-filled determination.
- Jeanette's Story: 15 Years Later
Jeanette had less than a year to live when she
asked her cancer doctor for the pills to commit suicide. Instead, her doctor encouraged her to consider treatment. 15 years later Jeanette
is grateful to still be living.
- Maggies's Story
Inspired by her father’s example of dying
gracefully, Maggie has a powerful story
of hope and courage in the midst of her brain cancer battle.
- Embracing Life
Featuring moving testimonials from palliative patients and hospital
staff, as well as year 10 students
who talk about how markedly their perspective on life and death changed after spending time at a palliative care hospital.
Useful Websites
- HOPE: Preventing Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide
HOPE is a coalition of groups and individuals who oppose the
legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide.
- Palliative Care Australia
Palliative Care Australia is the peak national body for palliative
care in Australia.
- Palliative Care Victoria
Palliative Care Victoria is the peak body representing
palliative care providers, consumers and their families and those with an
interest in palliative care in Victoria.
- Dignity in Care Toolkit
Practical
tools to support those working in health care, to assist in addressing
their patient's emotional needs with compassion and respect.
Articles
- What Would We Lose By Legalising Euthanasia?
Professor Margaret
Somerville urges careful consideration of the effects that legalising euthanasia
would have on the values and symbols that make up the fabric of our society.
- Apostolate of Death
Aaron
Kheriaty, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at University of California Irvine
School of Medicine, exposes the dangers of a culture that honours and exalts those who
deliberately reject life.
-
Church Teaching