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End of Life Issues
Moral Principals on Life Issues
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I. The Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in its "Declaration on Euthanasia" [5 May 1980], quoting from John Paul II's encyclical letter "Evangelium Vitae" No. 65, defines euthanasia as "an action or omission which of itself and by intention causes death, in order that all suffering may in this way be eliminated. Euthanasia's terms of reference, therefore, are to be found in the intention of the will and in the methods used."
Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith -- Declaration on Euthanasia
II. Catechism of the Catholic Church on Euthanasia
2276 Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.
2277
Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end
to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons.
It is morally unacceptable.
Thus an
act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to
eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of
the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator.
The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change
the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and
excluded.
2278
Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous,
extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be
legitimate; it is the refusal of "over-zealous" treatment.
Here one does not will to cause death; one's inability to impede it is
merely accepted.
The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or,
if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable
will and legitimate interests must always be respected.
2279 Even if death is thought
imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately
interrupted.
The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying, even at the
risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with human
dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only
foreseen and tolerated as inevitable
Palliative care is a special form of disinterested charity.
As such it should be encouraged.
III. Links
Pontifical Academy for Life -- Respect for the Dignity of the Dying
Address of John Paul II to the Participants in the International Congress on Life-Sustaining Treatments and the Vegetative State, March 20, 2004
- Statement on Euthanasia, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Administrative Committee, 1991
- Declaration on Euthanasia, Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 1980
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Nutrition and Hydration: Moral and Pastoral Reflections, USCCB, Committee for Pro-Life Activities, 1992
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I. Physician-assisted suicide is the practice of a doctor or other medical personnel prescribes a lethal amount of medication with the intent of helping a person commit suicide. The patient then takes the dose or turns the switch and death is induced prematurely.
Besides violating the 5th Commandment, this practice is highly discriminatory. When a well-bodied individual seeks physician-assisted suicide they are treated for depression or another mental illness. When this illness is addressed the patient no longer seeks suicide. If an elderly or terminally ill patient requests medical assistance in committing suicide they deserve the same care as well as applicable pain relief. Unfortunately, some of these latter patients are not offered this option.
II. Catechism of the Catholic Church on physician-assisted suicide
You shall not kill. (Ex
20:13)
You have heard that it was said to the men of old,
"You shall not kill: and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment." But I
say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to
judgment.
(Mt 5:21-22)
2258 "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being."56
56
CDF, instruction, Donum vitae, intro. 5.
Catechism of the Catholic Church on intentional homicide
2268 The fifth commandment forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful. the murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance.68
Infanticide,69 fratricide, parricide, and the murder of a spouse are especially grave crimes by reason of the natural bonds which they break. Concern for eugenics or public health cannot justify any murder, even if commanded by public authority.
Catechism of the Catholic Church on suicide
2280 Everyone is responsible
for his life before God who has given it to him.
It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to
accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of
our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us.
It is not ours to dispose of.
2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.
2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law. Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.
2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. the Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.
III. Links
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Choosing the Path to Life -- A Statement of Concern on Physician-Assisted Suicide
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Ethical, Legal and Social Issues of Assisted Suicide, testimony of Cardinal Bernard Law, 1997, to the House Commerce Subcommittee on Health and Environment
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Assisted Suicide: What is at Stake? United States Council of Catholic Bishops
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