The Catechism on Euthanasia and Care of the Dying
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. (¶2324)
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT: You shall not kill (Ex 20:13)
"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 circumstances claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being." 1 (¶2258)
Being in the image of God the human individual possesses the dignity of a person, who is not just something, but someone. He is capable of self-knowledge, of self-possession and of freely giving himself and entering into communion with other persons. And he is called by grace to a covenant with his Creator, to offer him a response of faith and love that no other creature can give in his stead. (¶357)
Euthanasia
Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible (¶2276)
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. (¶2277)
Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of "overzealous" 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. (¶2278)
Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed 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. (¶2279)
The dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace. They will be helped by the prayer of their relatives, who must see to it that the sick receive at the proper time the sacraments that prepare them to meet the living God. (#2299)
Mother and Teacher Pamphlets
The Church has given us a new universal catechism - the Catechism of the Catholic Church! Pope John Paul has declared the Catechism an "authentic and sure guide to the Catholic faith for Christians today and for generations to come."
These pamphlets bring you the words of the Catechism on doctrinal and moral issues of great interest to people in our age. Since no single pamphlet can treat important issues of our faith comprehensively we urge you to go directly to the Catechism itself - read it, use it and make it your family treasure. It is our faith!
1. Donum Vitae
Excerpts from the English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for the
United States of America Copyright © 1994, United States Catholic Conference, Inc.- Libreria
Editrice Vaticana, are used with permission. All rights reserved.
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