Doctor's Resignation over Euthanasia Gets Praise in Vatican Newspaper

VATICAN CITY, March 5, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - An Italian doctor's resignation from the College of Physicians in protest over the College's failure to discipline a member involved in an euthanasia case received the praise of the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Zenit News Agency reported March 4.

Dr. Stefano Ojetti resigned from his position as adviser to the College after his colleagues decided not to take disciplinary action against Dr. Mario Riccio, an anesthetist who acted against orders in unplugging Peirgiorgio Welby's respirator, ending Welby's life. Severely disabled, pro-euthanasia activist Welby had publicly petitioned for aid in ending his life, unleashing a national debate on the legalization of euthanasia.

In his letter of resignation Dr. Ojetti said every eugenic act was openly against the Hippocratic Oath to "do no harm" and the code of medical ethics. He described the death of Welby as a "sad and dark page in the history of our medicine."

L'Osservatore Romano, commenting on Dr. Ojetti's decision, said, "Ojetti's gesture merits the highest consideration and has exemplary value for those who exercise the medical profession."

"At the same time, it is a duty to add a word of encouragement for those, within the decision-making organization of the College of Physicians, who continue their battle in defense of life, a value that is extremely attacked today," said the Vatican newspaper.

"In fact, mobilization in defense of life passes also through commitment within the organizations that have the competence to regulate the activity of medical and health care agents." [Entire post]

My Comments:

I applaude Dr. Ojetti. If we had more doctors doing this, we wouldn't be living in the culture of death we are today. In my opinion, the medical field (not including some of our Catholic hospitals) no longer are working to protect human life, but appear to be more determined to destroy it. How can I say this? I have had close friends and family working in hospitals and nursing homes and have worked in a hospital setting myself. I read and listen to the painful stories of others who has lost loved ones and intercede for them. There are some good hospitals, but they are rare these days. Physicians like Dr. Orjetti are even more difficult to find.

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