sanctity of life = a principle of implied protection regarding aspects of sentient life which are said to be holy, sacred, or otherwise of such value that they are not to be violated
the sanctity of life principle derives from Genesis 1:26-27
"so God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them"
human life reflects God's rationality + morality
ethical implication = life is sacred + must not be destroyed
sanctity of life principle holds that human life has intrinsic value
there are strong + weak forms of the principle, as well as the quality of life principle
ensoulment = moment when human beings gain a soul
Catholic: at conception
Aquinas: 40-80 days
PGD = Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis which can check genetic make-up of embryo when it is outside of the body; can then choose which to implant
positives of sanctity of life principle:
promotes respect for human life
encourages protection of vulnerable
true to the teaching of Jesus on agape + compassion
the weak form recognises that moral decision-making is a complex issue + that opting for abortion may be an act of desperation
negatives of sanctity of life principle:
ignores modern science which states that humans are simply evolved animals
promotes an anthropocentric view of the universe, which devalues animals
its views on abortion, even in the weak form, promote the patriarchal view of society in which women do not have equal rights to men
in its strong form, it can seem unloving + lacking in compassion
