The Human Being and Euthanasia: Roman Catholic Perspective

Abstract

This research delves into the highly controversial topic of euthanasia, focusing on the Catholic Church’s perspective. The study addresses fundamental questions regarding what constitutes a human being according to the Catholic Church, how theology and philosophy are applied to understand the human nature, the historical development of the Church’s stance on euthanasia and relevant doctrines guiding its views. Current knowledge shows the Catholic Church’s firm stance on life preservation and dignity; however, the literature review lacks analysis of evolving ethical dilemmas’ impact on this stance and is limited to the ones reviewed in this work. The research questions and objectives were explored, while contents analysis was used as a methodological approach. Additionally, the research examines the Catholic Church’s arguments against euthanasia by emphasising the preservation of human life and violation of human dignity. Results indicate the Catholic Church is being challenged by modern viewpoints, but it still adheres to the principle that euthanasia is unethical since it violates human dignity. The study contributes to the understanding of this complex issue and its ethical, moral, and religious dimensions. The Catholic Church’s role in healthcare and its impact on the broader discourse surrounding euthanasia are critically analysed, providing insights for future research and ethical debates in medical practices.