Pope says . . ."Euthanasia" not o.k. - Barbaro (horse) should have been?

Question

kept alive, in excruciatingly painful life conditions? until death 'naturally' occurred???

I know - you are saying that an animal's life is 'less' important (spiritually) than human's . . . therefore, putting an animal out of their painful misery (killing them via artificial means) is acceptable, whereas, humans must 'endure' physical horrors??? until natural death releases them?

What do you think? or believe? or feel about this???

OK 'fish' - here's one for you to ponder . . .
Hitler utilized 'genocide' . . . not euthanasia.

Thank you "iamcatholic" for your insightful (according to your chosen dogmatic beliefs) response.
I wonder if those of your 'faith' apply this belief re: sacredness of the 'gift' of life? when enlisting in the armed services - agreeing to end human life (usually in a gruesome manner) in the interest of protecting and defending some political agenda?
Moral elitism is an amazing reality, and one which I hope does not hinder my egress (quickly and painlessly) from this physical realm. . .
Peace to you . . .

Answer 1

Why is it considered "humane" to euthanize an animal and not a person? I am talking about when a person is able to make the decision for them self about whether they want to continue living in extreme pain or suffer a long slow death.

And "naturally" occurring death has little meaning with all the medical advancements made over the last 100 years. Doctors can keep people alive for FAR longer than they could before.

So shouldn't a person be allowed to make their own decision?

Answer 2

+ Humans +

As Christians, we believe that human life is a sacred gift from God to be cherished and respected because every human being is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26).

In heeding God’s command, "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13), we recognize that we cannot end of our lives or the lives of others as we please. We must respect and protect the dignity of human from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death.

Euthanasia occurs when a doctor or medical staff person administers a lethal dose of medication with the intention of killing the patient.

We also recognize the need for the proper management of pain. Modern medicine provides effective treatments for pain that guarantees that no one will suffer a painful death. No one needs to escape pain by seeking death.

Repercussions of euthanasia:
+ Anyone assisting a suicide gravely endangers his or her spiritual, psychological, and emotional well-being.
+ Corruption of the medical profession: whose ethical code calls on physicians to serve life and never to kill. The American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and dozens of other medical groups argue that the power to assist in taking patients’ lives is "a power that most health-care professionals do not want and could not control.”
+ Society will more and more disregards the dignity of human life.

Possible Corruptions
+ Exploitation of the marginalized: The poor, the elderly, minorities, those who lack health insurance would be the first to feel pressure to die.
+ Cost control: Patients with long term or expensive illnesses and considered economic liabilities would be encouraged die.
+ Rebirth of historical prejudices: Many able-bodied people, including some physicians, say they would "rather be dead than disabled." Such prejudices could easily lead families, physicians, and society to encourage death for people who are depressed and emotionally vulnerable as they adjust to life with a serious illness or disability.

Jesus uttered the words of faith that continue to inspire and to guide the Church’s teaching in this mystery of Christian death: "This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again" (John 10:17).

http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2art5.htm#2270
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0897.asp

+ Animals +

The Church allows for euthanasing of animals.

It is a sin to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly.

It is not a sin to kill animals with as little suffering as possible for food, clothing, and the health and safety of humans.

http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2art7.htm#2415

+ With love in Christ.

Answer 3

Hitler had the same idea. Where does euthanasia start and stop. Is it just for the suffering. How about those who cannot work for their food. Or those who are sick. Or those whom we don't like. It is best not to start down that evil road.

Answer 4

I believe the day will come when they erect a statue to Dr. Kervorkian. He's a pioneer....ahead of his time.