Euthanasia
Definition
·
It is the act or practice of ending the life of
an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition, as
by lethal injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment.
·
Etymology:
Greek words “eu” = good and “thanos” =
death
·
Also
known as mercy killing or death with dignity
Common Reasons
·
to
relieve patient from unnecessary, intolerable pain and relatives from burden of
caring for the dying person
Catholic Church on Euthanasia
•
Blessed
Pope John Paul II: Euthanasia is false mercy because its motivation is the
selfish refusal to be burdened.
•
We
have to extend compassion to those who are seriously ill which leads to sharing
another’s pain and not to kill.
•
The
Church is against Euthanasia “since it is the deliberate and morally
unacceptable killing of a human person” [EV 65].
•
As
stewards of God’s gift of life, we have the responsibility to protect and care
for human life, not destroy it.
•
God
alone has the absolute power over life and death.
•
To
what extent should a dying person who is suffering from an incurable disease
receive medical help?
•
It
is our duty to give ordinary means.
•
Food,
water, air
•
Basic
hygiene
•
Medication
or procedures that can significantly improve the condition of the patient
•
Measures
of alleviating pain for those in sever pain
•
To
deliberately deprive patients of these basic requirements is tantamount to
killing them.
•
We
are under no moral obligation to continue the use of extraordinary means of
preserving life which include:
•
Medication
or procedure that offer little or no hope of improvement
•
Instruments
or methods that cause unnecessary pain
•
Overly
expensive means which brings little or no improvement
•
Treatments
or procedures that have more negative effects than good
•
Taking
away these extraordinary means merely allows the disease to run its course,
death is due to sickness and not the deliberate choice of another person
Reflection
•
How
can you show your care for the aged, sick and dying members of our community?
•
If
a love one is terminally ill, would you resort to euthanasia?
Challenge
•
“Whatever
you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me”
[Matthew 25:36,40]
•
As
followers of Christ, we are called to take care of our loved ones, sick or
suffering.
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
|
|
o Miranda,
Noel P. and Javier, Philip S. III. Called to Follow Christ in True Freedom.
Ateneo de Manila University: SIBS Publishing House, Inc., 2006
o Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines. Catechism for Filipino Catholics. 2006
o Astorga, Ma.
Christina A., Ph.D. Living the Faith Option: Christian Morality. Quezon City:
FNB Educational, Inc.2005
o Vincent J.
Genovesi, S.J. In Pursuit of Love
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