The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 296: The Sin of Euthanasia (2025)
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Oct 23, 2025 The discussion delves into the morality of euthanasia, emphasizing that ending a life, even with compassionate motives, is fundamentally wrong. It contrasts the sanctity of life with the flawed quality-of-life ethic, warning against cultural normalization of euthanasia as a consequence of societal attitudes toward abortion. The importance of palliative care as a loving alternative is highlighted, along with the necessity for patients or their families, not bureaucrats, to make care decisions. Ultimately, the emphasis is on valuing every life, regardless of circumstances.
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Euthanasia Is Murder, Not Mercy
- Euthanasia is a euphemism for intentionally ending an innocent human life and is morally unacceptable according to the Catechism.
- The Church grounds this in the dignity of the human person and God's sovereignty over life and death.
Quality Of Life vs. Sanctity Of Life
- A culture that tolerates abortion or euthanasia adopts a 'quality of life' ethic that devalues the weak and sick.
- By contrast, a 'sanctity of life' ethic insists every life is intrinsically worthy regardless of condition.
Refuse Overzealous Treatment When Reasonable
- Do distinguish between refusing extraordinary, burdensome, dangerous, or disproportionate treatments and committing euthanasia.
- Accepting the inevitability of death differs morally because one does not will death but merely cannot impede it.