The Catholic Church affirms that life is a gift from God, and thus, it is inviolable and sacred from conception to natural death. The Church teaches that euthanasia, assisted suicide, and any act that intentionally takes or hastens the end of a person’s life are morally wrong and contrary to the dignity of human life. However, the Church recognizes that there are cases where a person’s death is imminent, and the only thing left to do is to withdraw medical treatment that is deemed burdensome or disproportionate to the expected outcome. In such cases, the Church encourages the provision of palliative care to alleviate pain and suffering, while preserving the dignity of the person until natural death.
One of the specific issues related to end-of-life concerns is the concept of brain death. Brain death is defined as the irreversible cessation of all brain function, including the brainstem. It is recognized by the medical community as a legal definition of death in most countries. In the Catholic Church, the concept of brain death is widely accepted, although there is ongoing debate on the specifics of how it is determined.
The Catholic Church’s position on brain death is based on the principle of the unity of the body and soul. According to this principle, the soul animates the body and gives it life, and the body is an essential aspect of human identity. Therefore, the death of the body marks the end of a person’s life. The Church recognizes that the brain is an essential organ that controls bodily functions, and the cessation of all brain function, including the brainstem, means that the person is dead.
Scripturally, the Church’s position on the sanctity of human life is founded on the fifth commandment, “Thou shall not kill.” This commandment includes the prohibition against taking one’s own life, assisting someone in suicide, and directly killing an innocent person. The Church upholds the dignity of the human person, as each person is created in the image and likeness of God, and every human life is of infinite value.
In terms of Canon Law, the Church has established guidelines for the provision of pastoral care for the sick and dying. Canon 1007 states that the anointing of the sick is to be conferred on those who, having reached the use of reason, begin to be in danger due to sickness or old age. The sacrament of anointing is intended to strengthen the sick person in their spiritual and physical struggle, not to hasten their death.
In conclusion, the Catholic Church teaches that life is a sacred gift from God and must be respected from conception to natural death. The Church recognizes the concept of brain death and supports the withdrawal of medical treatment that is burdensome or disproportionate to the expected outcome. However, the Church opposes euthanasia, assisted suicide, and any act that intentionally takes or hastens the end of a person’s life. The Church upholds the sanctity of human life and encourages the provision of palliative care to alleviate pain and suffering while preserving the dignity of the person until natural death.