1. Church Teachings About the Body

2. Taking One’s Life God alone is Lord over life and death
Ending one’s life disrespects God and the sacred nature of the human body
All human life belongs to God

3. Attacks on Human Life
The following attacks on human life are not permitted: murder, acting as an accomplice to murder, killing unarmed civilians during war, abortion, suicide, self- mutilation, self-destructive behaviour, and euthanasia

4. Self-Defense One who threatens the lives of others must be stopped
Legitimate defense is accepted by the Church as a right and duty in certain circumstances
Inappropriately harsh methods of self- defense are not appropriate

5. Capital Punishment
It is “both cruel and unnecessary” (Pope John Paul II, St. Louis, January 27, 1999)
The State should only resort to using capital punishment if it is the only way to protect human society

6. Euthanasia (Assistance in Dying)
Intentionally bringing about the death of a dying person breaks the Fifth Commandment
Someone who helps another person in the dying process obeys the commandment, “Love your neighbour”
Extraordinary or expensive medical procedures can be declined by the patient if they are not proportionate to the outcome

7. Euthanasia (Assistance in Dying)
Ordinary care must be continued for all dying individuals
Medications (eg. painkillers) may be used if they are not intended for ending one’s life

8. Abortion Human life is sacred from the moment of conception
Every child has the right to life
Human life is God’s own property
Aborting handicapped children is a crime