If someone was terminally ill and faced another few months of excruciating pain and all to die at the end, some people may argue that it would be best to help the person slip away with some dignity and would avoid more pain. However, should a doctor administer a fatal dose of a drug, he has broken the law and could be charged with murder. Christianity agrees with this law. Christians believe that it is entirely up to god when to take a life.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that life does begin at conception and are strongly against abortion. They teach, ‘God the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.’ This makes it quite clear that the Roman Catholic Church is strongly against Abortion. They also believe that life begins at conception. The teaching goes on to say, ‘Intentional Euthanasia, whatever its form or motives, is murder. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his creator.’ This shows that the Roman Catholic Church also have a zero-tolerance policy towards Euthanasia.
Anglicans have a very slightly more relaxed view towards Abortion and Euthanasia. The church says that it combines a ‘strong opposition to abortion with some recognition that there can be – strictly limited – conditions under which it may be morally preferable to any available alternative.’ The teaching goes on to say, ‘All human life, including life developing in the womb, is created by God in his own image and is, therefore, to be nurtured, supported and protected.’ This implies that in the eyes of the Church of England life does begin at conception. Anglicans also teach that, ‘the deliberate termination of someone else’s life is only acceptable in self-defence.’ This shows that Anglicans are also opposed to Euthanasia.
Methodists oppose to abortion however have a certain amount of understanding for mothers who may require help or support. Out of the three main Christian denominations (Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Methodists) Methodists have the most understanding towards people who have abortions. They say, ‘our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well being of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy. In continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures.’
