WE ARE COMMANDED TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE GIFT OF HUMAN LIFE AT ALL OF ITS STAGES
Compendium 466-486 Dt 5:17 Matthew 5:9
"Thou shalt not kill" unequivocally forbids the taking of human life from conception to natural death. Those who have the responsibility for the lives of others must defend themselves and those entrusted to their care. Capital punishment is practically impossible to justify in most societies. The right to life is not endowed by the state but rather is a gift and commandment of abundant life from the Creator God. War must be avoided vigorously by eliminating economic and social injustice and discrimination and only a last resort in defense against serious and sustained unjust aggression. Mass destruction and genocide are crimes against humanity. Conscientious objectors must be permitted to perform alternate community service. Prisoners of war, wounded soldiers, and innocent civilians must be treated humanely and orders to the contrary must not be obeyed. It is legitimate to use drugs to manage pain but not to hasten death. Organ transplants and experimental treatments must have informed consent of the patients. Ordinary medical care must not be withheld and euthanasia is forbidden. The dying must be supported by loving care, prayer and the sacraments.
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