Vatican theologians: The ban on euthanasia causes worse harm than good

Euthanasia. Photo: slovoidilo.ua

The theologians of the Roman Catholic Church from the Pontifical Academy for Life made a number of resounding statements, assuming, inter alia, that the ban on euthanasia causes worse harm than good, according to lanuovabq.it.

In the book "The Joy of Life", described as "the fruit of the common reflection of a qualified group of theologians who met on the initiative of the Pontifical Academy for Life", it is stated that euthanasia is better not to be prohibited because "greater harm could result to the public good and civil coexistence, amplifying conflict or favoring clandestine forms of officially illegal practices."

At the same time, Vatican theologians acknowledge that the legalization of euthanasia has the disadvantage of "endorsing" and justifying to some extent an "ethically controversial or rejected practice".

The question arises, however, whether criminal and civil liability – for example in the case of assisted suicide – could be nuanced within clearly established limits and via a political-institutional debate. According to the authors, "It is not permissible to question the legitimacy of assisted suicide: the only morally valid option is its prohibition."

Earlier, it was reported that in Italy, a Catholic bishop voiced support for euthanasia.

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