Euthanasia is an act or omission which of its own nature or in its intention causes death. It usually applies to the direct and voluntary killing of someone who is terminally ill, whether through the administering of a lethal dose of drugs, or through the denial of palliative care.

Very often, living with pain and terminal illness can cause immense distress for those concerned, not least for the person who suffers, but also for those close to the person. Seeking the relief of pain is therefore entirely appropriate and necessary. However, the relief of pain through the killing of the sufferer is always gravely wrong, even if it is done for good motives or because the patient assents.

Euthanasia is a direct violation of the principle which says that everyone’s life must be defended. Nothing and nobody can authorise the killing of a human being, even if there is much pain involved. The dignity of human life is violated by euthanasia.

On the other hand, discontinuing extraordinary means of care can be morally acceptable, provided that the patient is treated with dignity and given the basic palliative care, such as the supply of water and food, that is his or her right.

For more information about euthanasia, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2276-2279.

See too the CDF Declaration on Euthanasia.