Roman Catholic Views on Euthanasia
This page outlines the Roman Catholic Church's stance on euthanasia and assisted suicide, presenting several arguments against these practices. The Catholic perspective is firmly rooted in religious beliefs and ethical considerations regarding the sanctity of human life.
Definition: Euthanasia is defined as doctors or nurses giving medication to end a person's life who has an illness causing unbearable pain.
Definition: Assisted suicide is when a person seeks help to end their own life in a pain-free process.
The Roman Catholic Church opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide for the following reasons:
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Sanctity of Life: Catholics believe that all life is sacred and valuable, as humans are made in the image of God ImagoDei. This principle demands respect for human life in all its forms.
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Biblical Commandment: The Church cites the commandment "Do not kill" as a fundamental reason against euthanasia. They argue that doctors are meant to save lives, not end them.
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Divine Ownership of Life: Catholics believe that life is a gift from God and belongs to Him. They reference Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you," to emphasize God's authority over life.
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Jesus' Example: The Church points to Jesus' healing ministry as a model for caring for the sick, rather than ending their lives.
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Suffering as a Test: Catholics view suffering as a potential test from God and believe that euthanasia interferes with God's creation and plan.
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Concerns about Involuntary Euthanasia: There are worries that legalizing euthanasia could lead to people being killed against their will.
Highlight: The Catholic Church emphasizes palliative care as a better alternative to euthanasia, allowing people to die with dignity while respecting the value of human life and reducing pain.
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God's Authority over Death: Catholics believe that only God has the right to give or take life, and He alone decides the moment of death.
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Life as a Divine Gift: The Church teaches that life should be treasured as God's gift to humanity, a sign of His love that should be protected.
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Medical Ethics: Catholics cite the Hippocratic Oath, which commits doctors to preserve life, not destroy it. They worry that euthanasia could erode trust in medical professionals.
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Dignity of Life: The Catholic Church argues that euthanasia lowers the dignity of human life. However, they acknowledge that treatments with no benefit shouldn't unnecessarily prolong a person's life.
Quote: Pope John Paul II stated in Evangelium Vitae, "euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God."
The Church also expresses concerns about the "slippery slope" argument, fearing that legalizing euthanasia could lead to its misuse or expansion.
Highlight: While opposing euthanasia, the Catholic Church supports the withdrawal of extraordinary or disproportionate medical treatments, distinguishing this from active euthanasia.
This comprehensive overview of the Roman Catholic position on euthanasia and assisted suicide demonstrates the Church's commitment to protecting human life from conception to natural death, based on religious, ethical, and practical considerations.
