The Right to Life

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The Sanctity of life

sanctity of life means that "all life is sacred" because God is the creator. Every human life is precious.

'You shall not murder'

'Love your neighbour'

Abortion

Termination of a pregnancy before the foetus is twenty-four weeks old

Only happen if two doctors agree, before 24 weeks, risk to the mother, risk to baby, prevent harm to the mother

Catholics think life starts at conception

Church of England and Methodist church think that abortion is justified when the health of the mother is in danger or that the embryo is severely deformed. Roman Catholic is completely opposed to abortion.

Pro-Choice - right to choose, unsafe abortions, life of the mother, compassionate killing, women in hardship, freedom of will

Pro-life - 'you shall not murder', life is sacred, life is created at conception, embryo can feel pain, emotional stress

Alternatives - support from church, church welcoming single mothers, fostering, adoption

Euthanasia

inducing a painless death to end suffering

Quality of life - a measure of fulfilment

Voluntary Euthanasia - when a terminally ill person asks a doctor or a friend to help them die peacefully and with dignity

Involuntary Euthanasia - When someone else makes that decision for them because the person cannot (in coma)

Christian Teachings on euthanasia - do not murder, jesus brought healing, christ suffered, blessed are the merciful, shows compassion

Active Euthanasia - deliberate action

Passive Euthanasia - withdrawing or withholding treatment

Quality of life and the right to self determination

self determination - the right to make decisions by yourself agreeing with voluntary euthanasia

Christians think that because life is sacred there should be some quality to it and a person should have the right to decide when their life standards are too low.

The hospice movement

A place you go where you die with dignity. Christians think this is better because of compassionate care, emphasises healing, values the person and their life.