DIRECT OFFENSES TO HUMAN

LIFE

Direct Offenses to Human Life

Murder Euthanasia Abortion Suicide

Murder Direct killing of the person Our conscience judges it to be

morally evil

Self-defense – not directed at killing but defending one’s own life

Euthanasia Mercy killing Direct termination of life of a

person due to an incurable illness

Planned destruction of the mentally sick or deformed who are considered to be of no use to the society

Church Teaches... By no means we are obliged to

exert beyond our capacity to prolong life

What is expected in the care and prolongation of life is the use of ordinary means.

“We are stewards of the gift of life granted us by God. Therefore, we must take ordinary means to preserve life such as medicines, treatments, and operations that can be obtained and used without excessive sacrifice or expense and when there is reasonable hope of benefit for the patient”. (CFC 1038)

Factors Mentioned..1. Ordinary means2. Without Excessive sacrifice or

expense3. Reasonable hope of recovery

Extraordinary Means

When used to cure the sick with excessive sacrifice or expense and the hope of recovery is becoming more uncertain, we are not obliged to prolong the life of the sick person

Ordinary Reason Means can still be used within

the financial ability and there is still hope of recovery, withdrawing the medication will be immoral

Immorality of Euthanasia

Willed ending of the person’s life based on mercy (for the pains the patient is going through)

Not on the lack of ordinary means – the incapacity to sustain hospitalization financially, and the absence of hope to recover

Thus, euthanasia is IMMORAL

Abortion Refers to the expulsion of the

fetus from the maternal womb, spontaneously or induced, causing the death of the fetus

Spontaneous Abortion

The expulsion is unintentional It is not willed

Induced Abortion Is intended and willed to destroy

the fetus and life Is immoral Crime, murder, an evil act

The Scripture specifies the prohibition contained in the fifth commandment: Do not slay the

innocent and the righteous.

The deliberate murder of an innocent person is gravely

contrary to the dignity of the human being, to the golden rule,

and to the holiness of the Creator. The law forbidding it is

universally valid: it obliges everyone, always and

everywhere.

CCC, 2270 Human life must b respected and

protected absolutely from the moment of conception.

From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person – among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life

How do we deal with the women who are victims of vituperative people and problematic situation?

We are not to condemn them, or to judge them but to show them mercy and compassion through loving service and support.

Suicide Contrary to the law of Christ Killing ourselves does not show

such love for ourselves and appreciation of life God has given us

Contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life

Suicide Gravely contrary to the just love of

oneself Offends love of neighbor because it

unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations

Contrary to the love of the living God

Suicide We reject God as Master of our life We deny the very presence of God as

Life-giving Spirit We disobey God of His command to love

ourselves We deprive others of our unique love

and care that only we can share We refuse to accept the moral judgment

of our conscience to do good and avoid evil

Why do some people commit suicide?

Great depression Loss of finding meaning to his/her

life Poor relationship with parents, peers Feeling of social isolation and

alienation Influence of illegal drugs Psychological disorder Experience of abuse (physical or

sexual) Lack of sense of gratitude to God

What can we do to avoid doing direct offenses to our

life?

Strengthen your values and virtues

Every grave act has its start Seek help Pray