Euthanasia

The  Salvation Army believes that euthanasia and assisted suicide undermine human dignity and are morally wrong regardless of age or disability. Euthanasia is not ‘death with dignity’.

Medicine allows people to survive illness and injuries which may otherwise prove fatal, though possibly with long-term or permanent disability and impaired quality of life. For many, the end of life is clouded by pain and impaired judgement and it is right  to use all and any medical treatment to control pain. The Christian faith puts death into proper perspective as the transition from earthly life to life eternal (1). In this context, The Salvation Army believes that human beings do not have the right to death by their own decision, whether procured by their own act or by the commissioning of another person to secure it.

Definitions

Euthanasia is defined as a deliberate act causing the intentional death of a person in order to relieve that person's suffering. Assisted suicide is defined as directly helping or encouraging someone to end his/her own  life.

To respect a refusal of treatment or request to discontinue treatment is not euthanasia. Withholding, withdrawing or declining  medical treatment that only prolongs the dying process is not euthanasia. Using drugs to adequately control the pain of a dying person, even if the secondary effect may result in shortened life is not euthanasia.

Sanctity of human life

The  Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of human life. It considers each person  to be of infinite value and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured  and redeemed. Human life, made in the image of God, is sacred and has an eternal  destiny (2).  We believe that the whole of humankind is the recipient of God’s gift of life. It is  to be received with gratitude and used responsibly. All human beings are to be valued irrespective of age, sex, race, religion social status or their potential  for achievement.

Communication

The  Salvation Army believes it is important to communicate by word and deed to the sick, the elderly and the dying that they are worthy of respect, they are loved, and that they will not be abandoned.

Palliative care

Full palliative care should be available to those with a terminal illness. Optimal pain control and the overall comfort of the individual should be the primary goals, even though as a secondary effect this could marginally shorten life. The Salvation Army accepts that where brain death, as defined by the relevant authorities, has already occurred, the next of kin is justified in agreeing to the withdrawal of  life support  systems after medical advice.

Preparation for dying

It is appropriate to make suitable preparation for one’s death, especially spiritual preparation, and to inform loved ones and caregivers concerning one's wishes for this stage of life’s journey.

(1)  'For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but to all who have longed for his appearing.'
  — 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (New International Version)

(2) 'So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.'
  — Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

Approved by International Headquarters
June 2004