Title: Religious Groups’ Views on End-of-Life Issues | Pew Research Center
Headings: Religious Groups’ Views on End-of-Life Issues
November 21, 2013
Religious Groups’ Views on End-of-Life Issues
Assemblies of God
Buddhism
Catholicism
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church)
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Episcopal Church
Hinduism
Islam
Judaism
National Baptist Convention
Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Southern Baptist Convention
United Church of Christ
Unitarian Universalist Association
United Methodist Church

Content: We simply feel that it is not our prerogative to end life,” says Edgar R. Lee, chairman of the church’s Commission on Doctrinal Purity. “ God is the giver of life, not us.” At the same time, the church allows that life need not be sustained at all costs when there is no hope for recovery. “ We leave room for people to [reject] artificial means of life support,” Lee says. Indeed, he adds, the church “does not frown on” the use of pain medication to alleviate suffering, “even in cases where it might contribute to hastening death.” For more information: Assemblies of God statement. “ Euthanasia, and Extraordinary Support to Sustain Life. ” Buddhism
According to Damien Keown, emeritus professor of Buddhist ethics at Goldsmiths College, University of London, Buddhists generally oppose assisted suicide and euthanasia. Buddhism teaches that it is morally wrong to destroy human life, including one’s own, he says, even if the intention is to end suffering.