1. By Frank Gasior

2. - The popular definition of euthanasia is “mercy killing” The gospel of life defines euthanasia as “an act or omission which of itself and by intention causes death, with the purpose of eliminating all suffering”

3. There is a growing move to legalize euthanasia in the United States and other Western nations. Three reasons why-

4. 1. A culture that sees no value in suffering, in fact views it as the worst of all evils. 2. People who neglect God often think they have sole control over life and death. 3. An aging population puts pressure on a costly healthcare system. People see this as “cost effective”

5. Some people believe that the terminally ill have two or three choices. 1. unrelieved suffering 2. euthanasia. 3. administrating palliative medicine that can relieve or greatly reduce pain associated with terminal illness. This third option is compatible with Church teachings.

6. The Catechism says, “Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible” (CCC, 2276)

7. What the church says The Church strongly condemns euthanasia, suicide, and assisted suicide despite how or why they are done. Life is sacred, a gift from God, Euthanasia Gravely violates Gods law which forbids “the deliberate and morally unacceptable killing” of a human person. Euthanasia and assisted suicide might appear compassionate. But they involve a false mercy.

8. What the Bible says- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Quoting Pope John Paul II's encyclical "The Gospel of Life-EVANGELIUM VITAE -. “For a correct moral judgment on euthanasia, in the first place a clear definition is required. Euthanasia in the strict sense is understood to be an action or omission which of itself and by intention causes death, with the purpose of eliminating all suffering. "Euthanasia's terms of reference, therefore, are to be found in the intention of the will and in the methods used" Euthanasia must be distinguished from the decision to forego so-called "aggressive medical treatment", in other words, medical procedures which no longer correspond to the real situation of the patient, either because they are by now disproportionate to any expected results or because they impose an excessive burden on the patient and his family

9. Conclusion The point is, Euthanasia in the eyes of a Catholic, and the Catholic Church is wrong. Life is SACRED and a gift from God. It is not the merciful thing to do.