Theology Thursday - CCC Euthanasia

In lieu of the recent topics, the Catechism gives Catholics direct teachings about Euthanasia.

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.

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.

The Catechism gives us pretty clear instructions as to what constitutes Euthanasia. Euthanasia can be an act or omission which causes death in order to eliminate human suffering. This description could include using a gun, using medicine, or starving someone to "put them out of their misery." We have a duty to attend to sick people, God even wants us to care for people in the hour of their death to ease their passing (but not cause it). Remember the soldier who offers Jesus a drink even when he is on the cross? We also have to be aware of the needs of those who are dying. The Catechism summarizes this whole section into two sentences:

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.

The intentional act of causing someones death or an intentional omission of basic needs which causes someone's death is murder and a mortal sin based on the fifth commandment. Something not to be taken lightly and we should definitely bring up when the topic arises.

Paix du Christ!