What does the Church teach about euthanasia and assisted suicide?

Every life has dignity

Illness, disability and dependence do not reduce human dignity. "None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself" (Romans 14:7). The Catechism teaches that an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death to eliminate suffering is a murder gravely contrary to human dignity (CCC 2277).

Not "life at all costs"

Catholic teaching is often misunderstood. The Church explicitly allows:

• Refusing disproportionate treatment. Medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary or out of proportion to the expected outcome may be declined. This is accepting death, not causing it (CCC 2278).
• Pain relief. Using painkillers to alleviate suffering, even at the risk of shortening life, is permitted if death is not intended (CCC 2279).
• Palliative and hospice care, which the Church strongly encourages.

Ordinary care — such as food, water and basic comfort — should normally be continued.

Why the line matters

Once a society accepts that some lives are not worth living, pressure grows on the elderly, disabled and poor to see themselves as burdens. Compassion means staying with the suffering, not removing the sufferer.

Accompaniment

The Church calls Christians to accompany the dying with presence, prayer and the sacraments — Confession, Anointing and Viaticum. Suffering united to Christ is never meaningless (2 Corinthians 4:17).

For those who are grieving

For those who have lost a loved one to suicide, the Church does not despair: "By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance" (CCC 2283).