| "Those whose lives are
diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or
handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as
normal as possible. "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." |
Euthanasia The direct taking of an innocent human life is a moral evil, regardless of the intention. Euthanasia itself is defined by Webster's as "act of causing death painlessly, so as to end suffering." Those who commit euthanasia intend to ease the suffering of a person. Yet, in doing such, they take means that are evil in kind. Furthermore, individuals who kill for the sake of mercy often believe their victim desires death. Such desire, even when spoken, cannot be trusted, for terminally ill individuals and those suffering greatly often have their thinking clouded by their condition. Finally, no one may rightfully choose to end his or her own life. Life is a gift of God. It is the teaching of the Catholic Church that it be respected from conception until natural death. Euthanasia as Evil Means The Mind of the Sufferer |
