Catholics Should Legalize Euthanasia

Euthanasia has been a controversial topic since the ancient Greek physicians. The word euthanasia has been used since the history of medicine. The Greek physicians or Hippocrates took an oath that they would never give their patients anything even if they requested it. The Hippocratic Oath has been used since 2,300 years ago until today (Harrigan). In the seventeenth century, American common law has punished people who have committed mercy killing. Then in the Enlightenment, writers “assaulted the church’s authority” of the teachings of euthanasia (“Historical Timeline”). A author from the Historical timeline said that if someone “condemned suicide as a wrong” and injures people and the community, then it “violates God’s authority over life.” The author says that someone killed a person or was asked to, then it violates God’s authority to give life to that person.

The catholic view of euthanasia is that euthanasia is morally wrong. it has always been

As euthanasia has become a prevalent topic in our society, many opinions have formed regarding the morality of it and whether it goes against Christian beliefs. Two opposing points of view, both written by Christians, explore this topic. John Shelby Spong argues in his article “Euthanasia Does Not Violate Christian Beliefs” that Christians need to reevaluate their view on assisted suicide and that it should be an individual choice. Chris Armstrong argues against euthanasia in the article “Christianity Condemns Voluntary Euthanasia” and contends that as Christians, we should never support the taking of life. While both authors agree that passive euthanasia

defined as the mode or act of inducing death painlessly or as a relief for pain. Although there

The Catholic Church has addressed the issue of euthanasia, and is strongly against the practice. This is evident in the teachings of the church, and through the Catechisms of the Catholic Church. They define euthanasia as, “an act or omission which, of itself or by

Who has the right to decide when it is our time to go? Should the government, the insurance company, or ourselves decide? Should nature be able to take its course with no interference from humans?

Giving someone the right to die has been debated on both moral and religious grounds. Many believe that people have the right to choose what to do with their own bodies. The opposition to this argument is that as a society, humanity should work to preserve all life. Those against assisted suicide also believe that if it is legalized, the service would be abused and people would be trapped, unable to change their minds after deciding to die and possibly being unable to express their thoughts. Religion, Catholicism in particular has a strong view opposing physician-assisted suicide. Pope Francis has stated that he views euthanasia as a part of today’s, “throw-away culture,” that it puts social pressure on the elderly and sick to die and stop draining their families as stated by The Telegraph. Catholicism also views assisted suicide as a sin against God and creation, as publicly stated by Pope

In the United States, we have certain human rights and that includes the right to choose to end our lives. Under article 3 in the Declaration of Human Rights, it states, “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person” (Appendix). Given this law, a patient has all the rights to decide if they want to live or die. According to Dworkin, “The individual has a basic right to determine the course of their own life and obviously death is a part of that course” (Bell). A fellow New Yorker also said, “Whatever view we take about, we want the right to decide for ourselves.” To sum up, it’s very important to allow us to make our own decisions.

Moreover, euthanasia is restricted by the church. This is another important point that we should consider, especially for religious people. According to “Death and Dignity” it is emphasized that “Life is a gift from God and it is only God who can take it back”. Christian’s point of view considers euthanasia as a crime against church, religion and God. Christians consider this as an immoral act. When considering the religious factor as well, we can conclude that no one has the right to take control over our lives, especially when we are unconscious.

From the view of Christianity, physician-assisted suicide should not be permitted because it is against God’s will. PAS is reducing of human values, especially for old people. PAS makes those people have the wrong understanding, such as when they think they are too old and they cannot do anything for their society, they feel they are useless. But in the view of Christianity, death is not the end; death is the place to start a new life. Human values not only depend on what can be made out under the view of society; it also depends on the prayer every day, to make inside the soul becomes more beautiful. In the denomination, it teaches that human’s life would only ends according to God’s determination since life is God’s sacred gift for all human. According to Edgar R. Lee “We simply feel that it is not our prerogative to end life, the church does not frown on the use of pain medication to alleviate suffering, even in cases where it might contribute to hastening death”, ( qtd . Religious Groups’ Views on End-of-Life Issues). I am a Catholic person and I strongly agreed: Nobody has the power to take life of oneself or others because no one is the owner of one’s life.

Euthanasia is one of the most controversial topics in modern society, and every human being has a different view on it according to their culture, their nation's

The legalization of euthanasia has always been a highly debatable topic since it causes philosophical, religious, moral and ethical controversy where some people believe it reduces our respect for the value of human life and it will be a gateway for other immoral actions to be normalized even though it is a basic human right that patients all over the world are denied to this day.

In its teaching on sin, the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that there are two primary types of sin these include venial and mortal sins . Of the two types of sin, the most severe sin performed is mortal sin, which stipulates that the most grievous sins are those voluntarily performed . It is necessary to understand the doctrines of sin because an individual’s actions can also affect those around them. The Catechism further explains that although a person may not have sinned intentionally, they are still responsible for the sins of others when they have cooperated with them; this includes colluding, assisting and protecting the sinner . Mortal sin leaves the human soul in a condition of guilt, which alienates the human soul from God. While in a state of mortal sin, the soul is distanced from God, who wants the sinner to repent so that they can be granted eternal life. Therefore, the act of euthanasia not only jeopardizes the soul of the patient (who commits suicide), but also the physician (who directly or indirectly murders their patient) and their family, who are equally responsible for the sin committed due to their support of murder/suicide. By doing this the Catholic Church hopes to create a community that can examine an issue and understand why certain actions are morally

Do you know what euthanasia is ? Have you ever heard of it ? Well if you have not heard of it or have not heard people talking about it , I’m about to tell you what it is. Euthanasia is assisted suicide. Which means a physician or someone in the medical field helps you die by prescribing a lethal dose of medicine which can either be injected or the patient can drink it. It is morally wrong , the reason I say this is because you are helping someone kill their self. As a physician or anyone in the medical it is against the Hippocratic oath.

Religions such as Christianity and Catholicism, some of the most well-known religions, are strongly against euthanasia. Many Christians believe that all life is a wonderful gift given by God. They strongly put faith in God to do what is “best for them” and believe that the perfectly timed cycle between life and death is for a reason. Patients who are sick may seem “less valuable”, but in God’s eyes they are just as precious as any other healthy human being (Pavone). Catholics similarly believe that no matter what ailment that is hindering them, they have to be strong and preserve life. They also explain that we do not have the right to die, because a right is a moral claim, it is inhumane for us to claim death, when it is death who claims us.