Respect Life

Abortion, Invitro Fertilization,

Euthanasia, & Stem Cell Research

Image from: www.livelifewell.nsw.gov.au

Life…

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How do we BALANCE our responsibilities and still have a LIFE?

What are essential things we need for a QUALITY LIFE?

How would you define Respect for Life?

Defined as equality between totals.

In order to achieve balance:◦ Time Management◦ Motivation◦ Organization◦ Outlet◦ Support

Achieving Balance:

RESPECTING Life:

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In order to first understand the Catholic Perspective you need to understand where the teachings come from:

The Magisterium has the authority to interpret Scripture and present infallibly the truth.

Magisterium = Leaders of the Church Infallible = Without Error

Catholic Perspective:

The authority of the Magisterium comes from God the Father.◦ HOW?

God the Father sent his son, Jesus Christ to us during the Incarnation◦ Incarnation = To become flesh.

Jesus gathered followers: Apostles◦ When the Apostles were afraid after Jesus died, the

Holy Spirit descended onto them, gave them the ability to speak in different languages and the courage to go out and gather more followers. This event is also called Pentecost!

Magisterium Authority:

Apostolic Succession: All of the followers of Christ that are descendents of the Apostles.◦ We are included in this community just as the

Magisterium is included.

This is how God transfers the authority to the Magisterium!!!!!!!!

And the Magisterium interprets the MORAL LAW: The will of God as found in the Gospels and in accordance with natural law as well.

APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION:

Role of Marriage:◦ “The transmission of human life is the most serious

role of married people.” Responsibility of the Couple:

◦ Uphold God’s will (Moral Law) & Natural Law◦ Control emotions and innate drives (a.k.a. hormonal

urges).◦ Take on the challenge and gift of creating new life.

Consequences of Action:◦ “new life is not the result of each and every act of

sexual intercourse…However, the act of procreation and unity are central to marriage and a couple must be prepared.”

Humanae Vitae

March 25, 1995 – The feast of the Annunciation (Announcement of the Birth of Jesus)

Pope John Paul II Encyclical – Evangelium Vitae◦ This Document reinforces the Church’s moral teaching about life

issues. Life Issues:

Abortion Euthanasia Fertility Treatments Stem Cell Research Medical Diseases such as HIV/AIDS

“All people of good will to be unconditionally Pro-Life!”

The Gospel of Life

“We have become desensitize to the value of human life!”

Why are Life Issues a Concern?

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“The value of human beings is based not on what they can do,

what they possess, or what their social status is, but on the fact that God has created them and chosen to have an eternal

relationship with them.”

What Evangelium Vitae Says:

All life is SACRED. All life is GOOD. We need to be signs of HOPE. We need a Consistent Ethic of Life: which

means we need to approach differing moral issues from the same theological perspective.◦ We are made in the Image and Likeness of God

and we need to value the life that is grounded in God’s creation.

Evangelium Vitae Also Says:

All humans are made in the image and likeness of God.

Everyone is entitled to basic human dignity. Catholic Perspective is based on both:

◦ Scripture: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you.” {Jeremiah 1:5}

◦ Tradition: Evangelium Vitae – encyclical released in 1995 that articulates the Catholic position on life.

“All life must be protected from the moment of conception until natural death.”

General Overview of the Catholic Position

Natural Means: Intercourse between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreating.

Invitro Fertilization: Fertilizing an egg in a test tube and implanting it into the mother.

Artificial Insemination: Implanting the sperm into the mother’s womb for the purpose of creating a child.

The Catholic Church does not recognize Invitro or Artificial Insemination as appropriate ways of procreation.

Means of Pregnancy:

Abortion: Defined as the unnatural expulsion of a fetus from the womb.

Image From: http://jeremysarber.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/baby-in-womb.jpg

According to the United States Catholic Bishops: Abortion illustrates society’s lack of respect for life & is the most widespread attack on

human dignity.

Non-surgical: Drugs are administered to the woman that cause the woman to begin her cycle and expel the potentially fertilized egg. This is done in 90% of abortions.

Surgical Methods: there are a number of medical techniques and procedures that remove the embryo from the woman’s body. This is done in 10% of abortions.

Types of Abortion:

Jeremiah 31:15-17 Matthew 2:16-18 Exodus 20:13 Exodus 21:22-24 Psalm 139

Write these passages down so that you have them for your paper!

Scriptural Point of View on Abortion

Which court case legalized abortion?◦ Roe v. Wade

The difference is that this case actually ruled it was the woman’s right to privacy to get an abortion and no one could prevent her from doing so, because it is ultimately her body.

Who is Jane Roe??????◦ Read the article and answer the worksheet of

questions.

Famous Court Case:

Euthanasia: literally translated, “good death.” It is the killing of another person to relieve that person’s suffering; sometimes called mercy killing.

Image From: http://www.hms.harvard.edu/cdi/pallcare/elderly.jpg

Assisted Suicide: Helping someone end his or her own life.

Infanticide: Killing or withholding necessary treatment from a baby.

Active Euthanasia: Direct intervention to end human life.

Passive Euthanasia: Failing to provide necessary care to someone in need.

Read the Catechism sections 2276-2279

Types of Euthanasia:

1. Chronic Depression2. Chronic Pain3. Lack of health care coverage/insurance to pay

for necessary medical needs.4. Terminal Illness (person may not want to

diminish assets by incurring large medical bills when they will die anyways)

5. Diagnosed with a degenerative, progressive illness where quality of life with diminish over time (AIDS/ Multiple Sclerosis/ Alzheimer’s, etc.)

6. Loss of independence – does not want to be cared for by others.

Why Consider Euthanasia:

Permitted in Oregon under tight conditions. Not mentioned in the laws for North

Carolina, Utah, and Wyoming. Considered to be criminal in all other states.

Who is Dr. Jack Kevorkian?????◦ Read the article….

Legality of Euthanasia

Genetic Engineering: A technique that produces unlimited amounts of otherwise unavailable or scarce biological product. Ex: Recreating DNA.

Cloning: To produce a copy of a cell, cell product, or organism that is genetically identical to the unit or individual from which it was derived.

Stem Cell Research: If done on developing embryos it is possible to replenish specialized cells such as blood, skin, or tissues. Ex: If you need a blood transfusion or transplant but do not have a match.

Now…. It’s YOUR TURN…

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Research the three categories: Genetic Engineering Cloning Stem Cell Research

Why is the Catholic Church against these?

How does it go against Evangelium Vitae? Answer these questions in your notebook.

Reference where you got your information and I will collect them tomorrow!

Research Phase: