New Jersey is set to become the latest state to legalize assisted suicide, as both chambers of the state legislature have passed a bill allowing the practice, which Governor Phil Murphy (D) says he will sign.<\/p>\n
\u201cAllowing terminally ill and dying residents the dignity to make end-of-life decisions according to their own consciences is the right thing to do,\u201d said Murphy on Monday, who has in the past spoken about his \u201cstrict Catholic\u201d upbringing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to signing this legislation into law,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
New Jersey Catholic leaders have been firm against the progress of the new law.<\/p>\n
\u201cAssisted suicide promotes neither free choice nor compassion,\u201d a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Newark told CNA.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery gift of human life is sacred, from conception to natural death, and the life and dignity of every person must be respected and protected at every stage and in every condition. Catholics should be leaders in the effort to defend and uphold the principle that each of us has a right to live with dignity through every day of our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n