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EWTN November 21, 2017: Pontifical Academy for Life & World Medical Association Meeting End-of-Life Questions, Vatican City Interview with Dr. John Keown, Georgetown University. Many Thanks to EWTN. dr. Keown: Every ten years the WMA reviews its policies. It is currently reviewing its policy that euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are unethical and that physicians should not participate in them, even in those jurisdictions where they are permitted by law. Policies are reviewed at regional meetings and on 16th and 17th November a European Regional Meeting, sponsored by the Pontifical Academy for Life, took place in the Vatican's Old Synod Hall. The meeting had been preceded by articles in the World Medical Journal on the topic. The meeting produced a lively but respectful discussion. Representatives from the Netherlands, Switzerland and Canada spoke about the law and practice of euthanasia or assisted suicide in their countries.Those who spoke in favour of changing the WMA policy received a fair hearing, but theirs appeared to be a minority view. A representative from the German medical association spoke of the need for the WMA to be an ethical 'lighthouse' to the profession in opposing euthanasia. A message from the Holy Father was read out by Cardinal Turkson. The Pope restated the Church's teaching against intentional killing but allowing the withholding or withdrawal of disproportionate treatment and, citing the parable of the Good Samaritan, he emphasised the importance of resisting the temptation to abandon the suffering. He referred to the diversity of opinion and of religious beliefs in the world, and to the need for open and respectful dialogue in order to arrive at shared solutions. The meeting was an exercise in open and respectful dialogue. Archbishop Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, closed the meeting. The sponsorship of the meeting by the Academy reflects its interest in fostering responsible and open engagement with those of different viewpoints.