Euthanasia

What and Why is Euthanasia an Ethical Issue: Euthanasia is a complex ethical issue because it is counter intuitive to our belief of “The Fullness of life” Is it right or wrong to assist a critically ill person who is suffering or in pain to die? Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are only countries that allow it Can we justify assisted suicide if it helps avoid pain and suffering Society sees killing as wrong however is it right to deny their final wishes to end the suffering What is the Vision of the Catholic Church: The vision of the Roman Catholic Tradition is critical in the arguments against euthanasia. Catholics believe life is a gift from God and that death is part of a natural process created by God so it should be respected. Whilst the gift of life is ours it is not ours to control. Catholics also believe that the process of dying is spiritually important and should not be disrupted as this would interrupt the process of spirit moving to God. Patients who are terminally ill remain living human beings and therefore it is wrong to treat there lives as worthless. The catholic church is highly reserved in its concern for others yet will not terminate the loving Gods creation. What is the Position of the Catholic Church: The position of the Roman Catholic Tradition has dominated societies view on Euthanasia. The unwavering stance of objection to euthanasia has left people with some understanding as to how each and every human life is blessed. The Roman Catholic Tradition cannot justify the loss of a sacred life for relief of pain. The churches main opposition in the euthanasia debate comes from people who have witnessed a loved one pass in extreme pain. Societies view has been transformed to align with the Roman Catholic Tradition over time as the acceptance of life’s ultimate value is prioritised over the ending of pain and suffering. How has the Catholic Church contributed to public discussion: The Roman Catholic Traditions contribution to public discussion can be drawn directly through the Vatican encyclical Evangellium Vitae (Gospel of Life) It expresses the opinion of the Roman Catholic Tradition regarding the value and inviolability of human life. These contributions have a profound affect in educating its adherents on the sacredness of human life and helps raise arguments against euthanasia The Roman Catholic Tradition regards the dignity of the human person and the value of human life too highly for it to accept euthanasia as an acceptable pathway to death. It is Gods love of each and every person who gives us this dignity. What is the case for euthanasia: Will clear up hospital space Will lighten burden on families Will free up money Allows for the end of pain and suffering What does society think: Euthanasia weakens society's respect for the sanctity of life Accepting euthanasia accepts that some lives (those of the disabled or sick) are worth less than others Voluntary euthanasia is the start of a slippery slope that leads to involuntary euthanasia and the killing of people who are thought undesirable Euthanasia might not be in a person's best interests Euthanasia affects other people's rights, not just those of the patient How has the Churches response affected discussion: The response of the Roman Catholic Church has effectively cemented the modern perspective on euthanasia It is accepted by most people that assisted suicide is not morally right or justified even though it is of potential benefit to end the suffering and pain of others. Every human being is entitled to live and to die, but in the way that God intends. If the Roman Catholic Tradition had openly accepted euthanasia then there would have been dire consequences as foundations beliefs would be brought under severe critique. The Roman Catholic Tradition's directives on Euthanasia make it clear that human life is never worthless and it is always of the utmost importance to preserve and protect it. Was the Response of the Roman Catholic Tradition Effective: The response of the Roman Catholic Tradition has been extremely effective The traditions doctrines surrounding Euthanasia have given a clear cut perspective that cannot be disputed in any way or form. This has set a method by which it's strong belief that killing people in anyway is a grave sin and that it can never be justified. This is included so that whilst people may not end a life, they can very much bring and end to prolonging it. The Roman Catholic Traditions firm stance on the dignity of the human person and the value of human life falls into line with other ethical teachings they have made. Key Quotes: “An action or an omission which of itself or by intention causes death, in order that all suffering may in this way be eliminated.” (Jura Et Bona) "Euthanasia and wilful suicide" are "offences against life itself" (Second Vatican Council) “As Catholic leaders and moral teachers, we believe that life is the most basic gift of a loving God, a gift over which we have stewardship but not absolute dominion” (Second Vatican Council) “Human life possesses an intrinsic dignity and value” (Evangellium Vitae) “Euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God” (Evangellium Vitae) “Prevailing tendency is to value life only to the extent that it brings pleasure and well-being, suffering seems like an unbearable setback, something from which one must be freed at all costs.” (Evangellium Vitae) True compassion leads to sharing another's pain; it does not kill the person whose suffering we cannot bear” (Evangellium Vitae) “Nothing or no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human person” (Evangellium Vitae) “Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible” (Evangellium Vitae) “it is legitimate to insist on respect for one's own right to life” (Evangellium Vitae) “Thou must not kill” (10 Commandments) “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.” (Evangellium Vitae)

Euthanasia