The Vatican reveals its position on euthanasia

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The Vatican hardened its opposition to euthanasia on Tuesday, describing it as an act of murder that cannot be justified or tolerated. The Vatican issued a new document in this regard at a time when more and more countries are considering legalizing euthanasia and assisting suicide. The document described lawmakers and politicians supporting such laws as complicit in committing crimes.

The 20-page document was issued under the title The Good Samaritan and was written by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the doctrinal office of the Vatican. It collected previous data for the Roman Catholic Church on end of life issues, but used more forceful and strict expressions.

The document said, Euthanasia ... is an evil act in its essence ... in all cases and circumstances ... euthanasia is an act of murder that no end can justify.

One section of the document singled out lawmakers, stating that if they agree to the euthanasia and assisted suicide laws, they become ccomplices in a major sin committed by others.

Euthanasia involves the doctor taking an active role in ending a patient’s life, but assisting suicide requires that the doctor provide a lethal substance to the patient that he can use himself