Euthanasia and the Christian morality

1. Entity type Lemma
2. Original titleEutanasia în viziunea moralei creştine
3. Language term Romanian
4. lemma author Stavinschi, Alexandra
5. lemma category Ethics - Scientific theories and disciplines > Medicine
6. Publication date 2004- -2004
7. lemma work Cosma, Sorin [Author]. Eutanasia în viziunea moralei creştine [Euthanasia and Christian morality]
8. lemma manifestations Altarul Banatului
9. Keywords bioethics - euthanasia - cerebral death - death
10. Url Click Here
11. Lemma body

    1. This is a very rich and articulated piece of work which looks at euthanasia from different perspectives. The author starts by mentioning a recently founded discipline called thanatology and its rules and procedures to assist a dying individual. Euthanasia also deals with the human right for a dignified death. The understanding and approach to euthanasia appears to be based on how life is understood. The author goes on to compare the different approaches of vitalist ethicists and Christian ethicists. If vitalist ethicist support the quality of life detached from its sacredness, Christian ethicists interpret all aspects of bioethics by combining the quality and the sacredness of life. This is based on the fact that man carries within the image of God from conception to death and even beyond, in eternal communion with God. The author shows that euthanasia is clearly linked to human existence, which at some point becomes unbearable. Further he explains the distinction between passive and active euthanasia (orthothanasia). In the following paragraphs, Cosma reviews the history of euthanasia and points out that it can be found in civilized societies too. What follows is a detailed analysis of the current state of affairs, with a focus on Romania. In Romania the legislation has not had a stable stance against euthanasia. For example, the 1937 Romanian Criminal Code allowed euthanasia provided that the disease was incurable, that the patient repeatedly asked for it, and the consent was given under legal conditions. Other legislation required in addition a compulsory expertise and legal authorisation. Art. 174 of the current Criminal Code stipulates that administering a drug that causes death is "committing intentional and premeditated murder”. The next chapter deals with active euthanasia, which is considered unacceptable. The next one is devoted to orthothanasia, which requires a more thorough analysis because it can be easily justified. The author examines in detail the national and international legislation. Cosma also analyses the related medical, psychological and theological aspects and concludes that the only euthanasia (good death) for Christians is the peaceful acceptance of the end of their earthly life, with faith and trust in God and the promise of the Resurrection.