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What does the Church say about euthanasia?

Church teaching

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In short: Ending a life to end suffering is gravely wrong. Caring for the dying, and easing their pain, is good. CCC 2277

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

Direct euthanasia, whatever its motives, means putting an end to the lives of the handicapped, sick or dying, and it is morally unacceptable. CCC 2277

An act or omission that causes death to eliminate suffering is gravely contrary to human dignity. CCC 2277

Our words

That’s not the same as refusing burdensome, extraordinary treatment, or using strong pain medicine. Easing suffering is good. Hospice is a beautiful Catholic work.

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Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2277 (official text on vatican.va).

Stone & Incense restates Church teaching in plain words and cites every teaching claim. Our own wording is not an official Church text. Found a mistake? Report an errorCorrections.