Church Teachings About the Body
Taking One’s Life God alone is Lord over life and death Ending one’s life disrespects God and the sacred nature of the human body All human life belongs to God
Attacks on Human Life The following attacks on human life are not permitted: murder, acting as an accomplice to murder, killing unarmed civilians during war, abortion, suicide, self- mutilation, self-destructive behaviour, and euthanasia
Self-Defense One who threatens the lives of others must be stopped Legitimate defense is accepted by the Church as a right and duty in certain circumstances Inappropriately harsh methods of self- defense are not appropriate
Capital Punishment It is “both cruel and unnecessary” (Pope John Paul II, St. Louis, January 27, 1999) The State should only resort to using capital punishment if it is the only way to protect human society
Euthanasia (Assistance in Dying) Intentionally bringing about the death of a dying person breaks the Fifth Commandment Someone who helps another person in the dying process obeys the commandment, “Love your neighbour” Extraordinary or expensive medical procedures can be declined by the patient if they are not proportionate to the outcome
Euthanasia (Assistance in Dying) Ordinary care must be continued for all dying individuals Medications (eg. painkillers) may be used if they are not intended for ending one’s life
Abortion Human life is sacred from the moment of conception Every child has the right to life Human life is God’s own property Aborting handicapped children is a crime