Physician Assisted Suicide

“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.” —CCC 2277

It is a common human tendency to ignore our own mortality and pretend that death is something that is “far away”. But the reality for Christians is that death is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new, resurrected life with God almighty. The catechism teaches that our fate after death ultimately hinges on the state of our souls when we die (CCC 1021).

This view of death affects how we as Catholics make decisions regarding care at the end-of-life.  In these situations patients and their loved ones must decide which course of action, if any, upholds the dignity of the person nearing the end of life.

While the Church recognizes, and encourages compassionate care that alleviates the suffering of those who are near death, She also vigorously teaches that immoral means (such as euthanasia or direct killing) may never be used to reduce suffering even if they are used with apparently good intentions.