Title: Christian Views of Euthanasia - ReligionFacts
Headings: Christian Views of Euthanasia
Christian Views of Euthanasia
What does Christianity teach about euthanasia?
Suicide in the Christian Bible
Suicide in Christian History
Modern Christian Views on Suicide
Anglican Views on Suicide and Euthanasia
Greek Orthodox Views on Suicide and Euthanasia
Article Info

Content: 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.