Day 296: The Sin of Euthanasia

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. CCC 2277

In today's reading, the Catechism discusses the sin of euthanasia. It's astounding how far much of society has fallen into moral chaos, that this is even an issue today. From state-assisted euthanasia for a "right to die with dignity" to depression, it is an affront to the sanctity of life and fraught with the danger of forced euthanasia. Give government not bound by God's law such power, and how long will it be before so-called undesirables are murdered again by the State? Euthanasia is something best left in Pandora's box, and remember that only God is sovereign over life and death (Deut 32:39). 

The Catechism Compendium summarizes what medical procedures are permitted when death is considered imminent:

When death is considered imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted. However, it is legitimate to use pain-killers which do not aim at death and to refuse “over-zealous treatment”, that is, the utilization of disproportionate medical procedures without reasonable hope of a positive outcome. (#471)

The Catechism Companion Vol III has some good commentary on this:

"Euthanasia" essentially means "good death," but it is a euphemism. Any time an innocent person's life is taken, it is not a good death. It is murder. Since it is true that all life comes from God, who creates life, he is the one who can end life. We may never intentionally end the life of an innocent human being. The Church prohibits euthanasia, the killing of those who lack health or strength. Just as abortion distorts and weakens our culture, euthanasia warps our compassion... Those who are ill and those who are vulnerable are worth fighting for and caring for... Euthanasia can never be tolerated. It can never be celebrated. We can never, as a Church, accept it, and we need to fight against it as a culture. (p. 108) 

Finally, the life of St. John Paul II gives us an example of suffering, particularly near the end, while following Christ: