Cardinal Berlusconi of Milan has chastised supporters of painless surgery for seeking to eliminate “one of the Almighty’s most compassionate provisions.” Thomas Chalmers said that anaesthesia opponents were “small theologians” whose views should be dismissed. Rather than fearing divine disapproval, we should strive to ensure that the momentous transition is carried out safely, responsibly and effectively, so that even the humblest of creatures can prosper.
