SACREDNESS OF HUMAN LIFE

Human Life is Sacred

1. How is human life sacred?

Every human life is sacred from the moment of conception until death,

and no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being. [2319*, 2258].

2. Why is human life sacred?

Every human life is sacred because from the beginning it involves the creative action of God, and it remains in a special relationship with the creator, who is its sole end. Every human person has been made in the image and likeness of the living and holy God. [2258].

Morality of Killing

3. What is origin of the command that forbids killing human beings?

The fifth commandment states 'Thou shalt not kill". The murder of a human being is directly contrary to the dignity of the person, and the holiness of the creator. (Ex 20:13, cf. Deut 5:17). [2320*, 2258].

4. Under what circumstances is self defense morally justifiable?

The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to inflict harm. Those who hold authority have the right to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility. [2321*, 2263-66].

5. What is the status of the death penalty?

Modern Church teaching is that cases in which the death penalty is justifiable "are very rare, if not practically non-existent". (Evangelium vitae 56). [2267].

6. Is it justifiable to refuse to serve in the armed forces?

A government must respect those who for reasons of conscience refuse to bear arms, but can insist that they serve in noncombatant roles. [2327*, 2328*, 2309].

Abortion

7. Why is abortion forbidden?

Since from its conception every child has a right to life, direct abortion performed either as an end or as a means, is forbidden by the natural law. [2322*, 2270-75].

8. Is cooperation with an abortion procedure permissible?

Formal cooperation in any abortion constitutes a grave offense. [2272].

9. Is contraception morally justifiable?

Contraception is morally unacceptable. Periodic continence, as advocated by Natural Family Planning, is a legitimate method of birth regulation. [2399*, 2368-70].

10. Is direct sterilization morally justifiable?

Direct sterilization is morally unacceptable. [2399*].

Infanticide and Euthanasia

11. Is infanticide forbidden?

Infanticide, the killing of very young or newborn infants, is an act of murder. The procedure called partial birth abortion is an act of infanticide. [2268].

12. Why is euthanasia never morally justifiable?

Everyone, including a handicapped, sick, elderly or dying person, has a right to life. Hence euthanasia, that is killing or causing the death of another person in these or similar categories, is equivalent to murder. It is also morally wrong for a person to commit suicide, that is to take his own life. [glossary, 2324*-25*, 2276-83].