Euthanasia: Understanding the Moral and Ethical Implications of Ending Life

The intentional ending of another's life presents profound moral, ethical, and spiritual questions that challenge our understanding of human dignity, the sanctity of life, and our responsibility toward the vulnerable.

What is Euthanasia?

Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering. It encompasses various scenarios, including ridding society of handicapped people, the elderly, those considered a liability or drain on the system, or individuals who wish to opt out of life. The underlying belief is that when a person's existence becomes unbearable due to incurable disease, severe pain, or complete deterioration of mental capacity with no hope of recovery, causing that person's death is a kind and humane action. Euthanasia may be either voluntary (with consent) or involuntary (without consent), and is distinct from refusing medical treatment when the body cannot sustain life naturally.

In contrast, end-of-life care, often called palliative care, focuses on providing comfort, pain management, and dignity to patients with terminal illnesses through medical treatments that neither hasten nor artificially prolong the natural dying process, reflecting a compassionate and biblically acceptable approach to caring for those facing the end of their earthly journey.

Although often described as 'mercy killing' or 'assisted dying', euthanasia is fundamentally murder or suicide in its moral essence. This practice places human beings in the position of sovereignty over life, presuming the authority to determine who lives and dies. Such a stance flouts the sanctity and inherent value of life while ignoring human dignity, creating significant societal pressure on the elderly and vulnerable to 'do the decent thing' and make room for others, effectively coercing them into ending their lives prematurely.

God, not humanity, possesses the right to terminate or take life, including bringing about premature death. Scripture affirms that God has appointed the days of our lives, and their end rests in His hands (Ps 31:15, 37:18, 139:16). Yet His timeless command remains clear: "Do not murder" (Ex 20:13). He explicitly hates those who shed innocent blood (Rom 16:16-17).

He 'numbers our days', it is not our right to adjust His figures

The Biblical Perspective on Life and Death

The biblical worldview consistently affirms the sanctity of human life as created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). This divine image-bearing status bestows inherent dignity and value upon every person, regardless of their physical or mental condition. Life is portrayed as a sacred trust from God, who alone possesses the authority to give and take life (Deut 32:39, 1 Sam 2:6). The prohibition against murder in the Ten Commandments establishes a fundamental boundary that human beings must not cross (Ex 20:13). Scripture acknowledges suffering but never suggests ending life is an appropriate response. Instead, it points to God's presence in affliction (Ps 23:4, Isa 43:2), ultimate restoration (Rev 21:4), and bearing one another's burdens (Gal 6:2).

The practice of euthanasia represents a fundamental shift from viewing life as a sacred gift to be stewarded to viewing life as a commodity to be disposed of when deemed inconvenient or burdensome. This perspective undermines the foundational biblical truth that human beings are created in God's image and possess inherent worth independent of their utility or quality of life.

Life is a sacred trust from our Creator, not a possession to be discarded at will

Societal Consequences and Ethical Concerns

The acceptance of euthanasia carries profound societal implications. History demonstrates that voluntary euthanasia for the terminally ill often expands to include broader categories of people, including those with disabilities, mental illness, or simply those who feel their lives lack meaning. Evidence from countries that have legalized euthanasia shows a pattern of expanding criteria and increasing numbers of deaths.

Euthanasia fundamentally alters the relationship between healthcare providers and patients. The medical profession has historically been guided by the Hippocratic Oath's commitment to 'do no harm.' Legalizing euthanasia transforms physicians from healers into agents of death, compromising trust in the healthcare system and potentially creating pressure on vulnerable patients to choose death rather than be perceived as burdens on their families or society.

When we consider some lives unworthy, we undermine the dignity of all human life

This sends a troubling message that some lives are not worth living, particularly impacting people with disabilities, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic conditions. This devaluation of vulnerable lives undermines the foundational principle that every human being possesses equal dignity and worth.

Reflection and Application:

Consider how your view of human dignity shapes your perspective on end-of-life issues.
Reflect on the biblical teaching that God alone holds authority over life and death.
Think about practical ways to support those who are suffering or facing difficult end-of-life decisions.
Examine how societal attitudes toward the vulnerable reflects underlying beliefs about the value of human life.

See also: abortion, end of life care, handicap, life, murder, suicide.