Case Studies in Assisted Human Reproduction and Euthanasia pp. 156-160

Case #1: Assisted Human Reproduction Bill C-13 an Act Respecting Assisted Human Reproduction http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/Parliament/LegislativeSum maries/bills_ls.asp?Language=E&ls=C13&Mode=1&Parl =37&Ses=2&source=library_prb http://www.cccb.ca/site/eng/media- room/archives/public-statements/2003/1258-statement- by-the-canadian-conference-of-catholic-bishops-on-bill-c- 13-an-act-respecting-assisted-human-reproduction

Respect for Human Life Human life begins at conception/fertilization (Canadian Physicians for Life) Human embryos are not potential human beings but real human beings. Human beings are to be respected and treated as persons from the moment of conception. Human life cannot be destroyed for the potential benefit for others (to find cures for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s)

A Child Is A Gift A child should not be exploit to fulfill the desire of an infertile couple. A child is a gift of the relationship. A child is never a possession.

The Integrity of Procreation The act of human procreation is honoured and respected by the Church as God’s design. In Vitro separates procreation from the physical expression of love between husband and wife. IV can lead to the destruction of embryos that remain after treatment.

Concern for the Most Vulnerable Preferential Option for the Poor – The poor and weak need special protection. The embryo itself is human life at its most vulnerable and needs protection.

The Common Good Humans are created within a family not only as individuals but also as part of a society. We are social beings, part of a larger community. A universal respect for life is essential for the common good (at every stage of life).

Case Study 2: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide http://www.parl.gc.ca/content/sen/committee/351 /euth/rep/lad-tc-e.htm http://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/shared/skins /default/pdf/euthanasiabriefingbook.pdf

The issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide has become a national issue because of 2 Canadian cases: Tracy Latimer (suffered from mental and physical disabilities from cerebral palsy father Robert was convicted of second degree murder after euthanizing her with carbon monoxide.) Susan Rodriguez (suffered from ALS challenged the B.C. Supreme court and lost 5-4; she took her life with the assistance of an anonymous doctor.)

Human Life is Relational Human life is not a good that possess but a good of which we are stewards. We do not own our lives – they are a precious gift which we have received from others and as called to make fruitful and preserve. WE are part of a web of human relationships where we must not only preserve ourselves but also sustain the common good of society.

We Are Mutually Responsible for Life We see suicide as a failure to protect the life of another – we are responsible for the other. Human life is interdependent.

Our Care For the Other Must Be Governed By Compassion. Suffering and pain challenge us at the core of human life – they challenge our weaknesses and vulnerability. We should always try to reduce suffering of others. As Catholics, when appropriate we support palliative care and the appropriate medications to ease pain in the terminally ill.

Euthanasia C.C.C. 2276 Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible. 2277 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.

Euthanasia C.C.C. 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. 2279 Even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to 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.

Suicide C.C.C. 2280 Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. 
We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. 
We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. 
It is not ours to dispose of. 2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. 
Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.

Suicide C.C.C. 2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law. Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide. 2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.

In Brief C.C.C. 2324 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. 2325 Suicide is seriously contrary to justice, hope, and charity. It is forbidden by the fifth commandment.

The Prudent Person We are called to be prudent in moral decision making – to be human is to be ethical and moral. A prudent person is one who has the ability to make good choices, who has an almost instinctive inclination toward goodness. Prudence seeks out right reason and evaluates motives for action.

Video to watch https://www.archbalt.org/family-life/respect-life/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIbEFt8ypJI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZJ3vjiHO-U