In a world where every headline competes for shock value, Delaware’s recent drama over physician-assisted suicide managed to snag its fair share of controversy. The state’s General Assembly passed a bill to legalize the practice for terminally ill patients, but Governor John Carney—despite his Democratic affiliation—put the brakes on it with a veto. Predictably, his fellow Democrats weren’t thrilled, while others breathed a sigh of relief. As an independent Christian conservative, I find this issue deeply troubling—and not just because of the politics.

The Case for Legalization: Compassion, Autonomy, and Dignity

Proponents of physician-assisted suicide often frame their arguments in terms of compassion, personal freedom, and dignity. They ask: shouldn’t terminally ill patients have the right to end their suffering on their own terms? Shouldn’t the government respect their autonomy?

It’s an argument that tugs at the heartstrings. No one wants to watch a loved one endure unbearable pain or lose their ability to function entirely. The idea of “death with dignity” appeals to our sense of mercy and justice. After all, our society values individual choice—why not let people make the ultimate choice about their own lives?

From a purely secular perspective, these points might sound reasonable, even noble. But when we bring faith, morality, and the sanctity of life into the equation, things look much different.

The Case Against Legalization: A Slippery Moral Slope

First, as a Christian, I believe life is sacred because it’s a gift from God. The Bible makes this clear in passages like Job 1:21: “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Life and death are not ours to control; they belong to Him. Assisted suicide usurps God’s authority and reduces life to a commodity—valuable only as long as it’s convenient or comfortable.

Moreover, the slippery slope argument isn’t just a theoretical scare tactic. Look at places like Belgium and the Netherlands, where laws started with “strict safeguards” for terminally ill adults but have since expanded to include minors and even individuals with mental illnesses. Legalizing physician-assisted suicide sends a dangerous message: some lives are less worthy of protection than others. That’s a line no society should cross.

Let’s also talk about pressure—real or perceived. Vulnerable patients might feel obligated to choose death to avoid burdening their families emotionally or financially. And how do we ensure doctors remain healers, not gatekeepers of death? When medicine shifts from preserving life to ending it, trust in healthcare erodes.

Governor Carney: Standing Firm in a Storm

Governor Carney’s veto took guts, especially since it alienated many in his own party. It’s not every day a Democrat bucks the trend, particularly on an issue where the Left tends to champion “progressive” policies. For that, he deserves credit.

Of course, critics argue that his veto denies suffering patients their “right” to relief. But does it really? Compassion isn’t about handing someone a lethal prescription—it’s about walking alongside them in their pain, offering real support, and affirming the value of their life, even in its hardest moments. Hospice care, palliative medicine, and spiritual support can provide dignity and relief without crossing the moral line of taking life.

A Call to Action for Christians and Conservatives

As Christians, we’re called to be salt and light in a world that increasingly blurs the lines between right and wrong. This debate over assisted suicide isn’t just about Delaware; it’s a microcosm of a broader cultural shift that devalues life and prioritizes convenience over conviction.

Let’s advocate for policies that uphold the sanctity of life at every stage. Let’s support families and healthcare systems in caring for the terminally ill with compassion and integrity. And let’s pray—for wisdom, for our leaders, and for those walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

At the end of the day, it’s not about winning arguments or political points. It’s about standing firm on God’s truth and showing the world that real compassion doesn’t end life—it defends it.