Actor Martin Sheen. (Allstar photos)

Catholic actor Martin Sheen has recorded TV and radio ads opposing Washington state’s Initiative 1000 that seeks to legalize doctor-assisted suicide.

In the TV ad, Sheen says, “People who are ill need real medical care and compassion, not lethal drugs.”

In the radio ad, Sheen warns insurance companies might exploit legalized assisted suicide to avoid paying for palliative care for terminally ill patients.

“It’s a dangerous idea that could hurt thousands of low-income people who need medical care,” Sheen says. “It’s a step backwards, and I urge you to vote ‘No.’”

The ads began airing this week. They were commissioned by the Coalition Against Assisted Suicide, the Washington state group coordinating opposition to Initiative 1000.

Washington’s bishops oppose the assisted suicide initiative and have provided donations to the Coalition Against Assisted Suicide.

Supporters of the initiative, who are outspending opponents by a wide margin, have criticized the Church’s involvement.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives, is murder. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator” (no. 2324).

— Tom McFeely