Euthanasia

• Preservation of life:

  • Preservation of life is a Primary Precept
  • many use ‘the sanctity of life’ argument as opposition for voluntary euthanasia.
  • According to this teaching, God gives life and God decides when life ends.
  • Human life as a gift from God is precious, special and unique amongst creation.
• Prolonged suffering:

  • people should have a duty to address the prolonged suffering of others
  • it provides an opportunity to help and care for those who are suffering through intensified medical care such as Hospices
  • thereby displaying Christian love.
• Impact on family and friends:

  • the impact that a prolonged and painful death may have on others, such as close family and friends should also be a factor.
• Living in an orderly society:

  • if euthanasia was legalised, the Natural Law precept of an ordered society would be challenged
  • it could create a ‘slippery slope’ and be open to sinister motives of greed or abuse of the aged and ill.
• Spain:

  • there are some inconsistencies with regard to administration of medication where the line drawn is not at all clear.
  • e.g. Spain - heavily influenced by Roman Catholic tradition, sees it as okay to induce unconsciousness through heavy sedation to ease suffering.
  • In line with the principle of double effect, the intention was not to kill the person, but to bring relief to their pain despite the obvious consequences.