Media Release

The Killing of Eluana Englaro- Judicial Homicide

Eluana Englaro, the 38 year old Italian woman died on the 9th of February after she had been denied food and hydration for three days. She did not die from natural causes but was deliberately killed through dehydration and starvation following a court order obtained by her father, this was cold blooded murder. Eluana had been in a so-called vegetative state for 17 years following a motor car accident. She was in very good physical health and was not in a terminal condition nor was she on life support.

It was claimed by those entrusted with her care that the withdrawal of food and hydration was the withdrawal of burdensome medical treatment. Food and hydration are not medical treatment but the necessities of life. Pope John Paul II stated that food and hydration even when administered through medical assistance “remains a natural means of preserving life, not a medical act.”

If Eluana Englaro , an innocent person, can be condemned to death, every person whose life is considered of insufficient quality by a guardian or court will be in danger of execution by the withdrawal of basic and ordinary care. Eleuana was deemed to be in a persistent vegetative state. Human beings are not vegetables they are created in the image and likeness of God and always retain their human dignity which should be respected and protected.

Eluana’s murder is a moral catastrophe; a victory for a culture of death, the consequences of which will have international consequences. The consequences will equal or exceed the abortion holocaust unleashed on the world by the 1973, Roe v Wade decision of the American Supreme Court.

A similar tragedy could be enacted in New Zealand as there is no legal protection prohibiting the removal of food and hydration from the disabled. Right to Life is committed to continue promoting a private members bill to prohibit the withdrawal of this basic care.

Ken Orr
Spokesperson,
Right to Life New Zealand Inc.

ENDS

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