Evangelical leaders in Costa Rica are raising concerns that a proposed “dignified death” bill could expose vulnerable patients to increased risk, as lawmakers continue debating the measure in the country’s Legislative Assembly.
In a technical report, the Evangelical Alliance Federation of Costa Rica (FAEC) said the proposal contains legal and ethical gaps that could permit third parties to influence end-of-life decisions, including the withdrawal of life-sustaining care beyond clearly defined palliative circumstances. The group is urging lawmakers to revise or reject the bill and instead strengthen safeguards for patients and medical professionals while expanding access to palliative care.
FAEC, which represents evangelical churches nationwide, detailed its concerns in an analysis of the legislation, highlighting both structural legal issues and broader ethical implications.
The report argues that the proposal introduces what it describes as an ethical risk by allowing others to assume responsibility in determining when a patient’s life should end, potentially increasing vulnerability for those in terminal stages of illness.
The federation also maintains that ambiguities in the current wording could enable practices akin to euthanasia or assisted suicide. While acknowledging the bill’s stated aim of alleviating suffering, FAEC contends that the framework does not provide sufficient protections to ensure that patients are not exposed to undue pressure or premature end-of-life decisions.
One of the main concerns for evangelical leaders is a clause that would exempt physicians from criminal liability if they act out of “compassion.”
The FAEC argues that this terminology is subjective and could lead to legal impunity in cases where life-sustaining treatments are withdrawn outside of a strictly palliative care framework.
The group also highlights that the bill allows for what it calls “refusal of treatment” without clearly distinguishing between excessive or burdensome medical interventions and the basic care necessary to sustain life. According to the federation, the law should focus on protecting life at all stages—from conception to natural death—while avoiding “quality of life” criteria that could be used to justify hastening death.
From a theological and social perspective, the Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to biblical principles regarding God’s sovereignty. Its official statement emphasizes that life is a gift from God and that its value is inherent, regardless of a person’s health condition or age.
The organization also questioned the foundations of the bill, asking: “Who defines when a life is no longer worth living?” For the FAEC, human suffering should be addressed with compassion and comprehensive care, but never used as a legal justification for ending the life of the person who is suffering.
Rather than advancing the current legislation, the Alliance called on Costa Rican authorities to strengthen the national palliative care system. It urged the government to ensure universal access to pain management medications without compromising life, to implement psychological and spiritual support programs for terminally ill patients and their families, and to respect the right of healthcare professionals to conscientious objection if they refuse to participate in actions that conflict with pro-life medical ethics.
