Bioethical Issue: Euthanasia

Euthanasia is the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged
benefit. (The key word here is "intentional". If death is not intended, it is not an act of euthanasia).
Types of Euthanasia:
Voluntary euthanasia: When the person who is killed has requested to be killed.
Non-voluntary euthanasia: The killing of patients who are unable to give consent to be killed (perhaps
because they are unconscious).
Involuntary euthanasia: When the person who is killed gave no consent to be killed.
Assisted suicide: Someone provides an individual with the information, guidance, and means to take his or
her own life with the intention that they will be used for this purpose.
Passive euthanasia: The withholding of common treatments (such as antibiotics, pain medications, or
surgery) or the distribution of a medication (such as morphine) to relieve pain, knowing that it may also
result in death. Passive euthanasia is the most accepted form, and it is a common practice in most
hospitals.
The Christian Response
Christians are mostly against euthanasia. The arguments are usually based on the notion of the sanctity of life
- beliefs that life is given by God, that human beings are made in God's image and that all human lives are
equally valuable. Some churches also emphasise the importance of not interfering with the natural process of
death.
Life is a gift from God:
all life is God-given
birth and death are part of the life processes which God has created, so we should respect them
therefore no human being has the authority to take the life of any innocent person, even if that person wants
to die
Human beings are made in God's image:
human life possesses an intrinsic dignity and value because it is created by God in Gods own image for the
distinctive destiny of sharing in God's own life
o saying that God created humankind in Gods own image doesn't meant that people actually look like
God, but that people have a unique capacity for rational existence that enables them to see what is good
and to want what is good
o as people develop these abilities they live a life that is as close as possible to God's life of love
o this is a good thing, and life should be preserved so that people can go on doing this
All human lives are equally valuable:
Christians believe that the intrinsic dignity and value of human lives means that the value of each human life is
identical. They don't think that human dignity and value are measured by mobility, intelligence, or any
achievements in life.
Sacred Scripture
Many Christian denominations base their response to this issue on various parts of sacred scripture, including
Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness - Genesis 1:26
You shall not kill. - Fifth Commandment, Exodus 20:13
It is I who bring death and life. - Deuteronomy 32:39
So always treat others as you would like them to treat you. - The Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12
Love your neighbour as yourself. - From the Great Commandment, Mark 12:31
Various stories in NT of Jesus healing and raising e.g. Lazarus story. Respect for life.

In 1995 when the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act was being addressed in the Northern Territory, Church
leaders from Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Churches issued a joint statement calling on the Federal
Government to act to adopt a pro-life position.

The Catholic Church and Euthanasia

The Roman Catholic Church is one of the most active organisations in opposing euthanasia.
Church Documents
The Didache (150CE) is an ancient text with instructions for the early Christian communities. It emphasises
the value of life the Popes teaching on life can be traced back to the apostles.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says much on the value of life and euthanasia:
o 2269 The fifth commandment forbids doing anything with the intention of indirectly bringing about a
person's death.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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
o 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.
o 2319 Every human life, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human
person has been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God.
Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves "the creative action of God" and it remains
forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its
beginning until its end: no one can, in any circumstance, claim for himself the right to destroy directly an
innocent human being. - Donum vitae, Intro. 5
I confirm that euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God, since it is the deliberate and morally
unacceptable killing of a human person. - John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 65
an offense against the dignity of the human person, a crime against life, and an attack on humanity. Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Declaration on Euthanasia (1980), II

The Anglican Church and Euthanasia

The Anglican Church has also voiced its opposition to euthanasia.
1995 General Synod Resolution (Australia)

It affirms that life is a gift from God not to be taken, and is therefore not subject to matters such as freedom
of individual choice.

It affirms the right of patients to decline treatment but not to expect the active intervention by medical staff
to end their lives.

It urges members of State legislatures to vote against legislation to legalise euthanasia when such matters
come before their Parliaments.

It calls upon governments to further improve access to high quality palliative care to ensure that all people
will be able to die with dignity.

Lambeth Resolution I.14 (1998)

In the light of current debate and proposals for the legalisation of euthanasia in several countries, this
Conference:
(a) affirms that life is God-given and has intrinsic sanctity, significance and worth;
(b) defines euthanasia as the act by which one person intentionally causes or assists in causing the death of
another who is terminally or seriously ill in order to end the other's pain and suffering;
(c) resolves that euthanasia, as precisely defined, is neither compatible with the Christian faith nor should be
permitted in civil legislation;
(d) distinguishes between euthanasia and withholding, withdrawing, declining or terminating excessive medical
treatment and intervention, all of which may be consonant with Christian faith in enabling a person to die with
dignity. When a person is in a permanent vegetative state, to sustain him or her with artificial nutrition and
hydration may be seen as constituting medical intervention.