medicine is to benefit the sick. The Hippocratic Oath that has formed the basis of civilized medical practice unequivocally prohibits active euthanasia and assisted suicide, “I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan.”
Concerning the distinction between ‘active killing’ and ‘allowing to die’, or active euthanasia and passive euthanasia, there is a clear moral distinction between merely allowing to die and actually causing someone’s death. In the definition of ‘euthanasia’ in the Vatican’s Declaration on Euthanasia, the phrase “which of itself or by intention causes death” is necessary in order to affirm that not taking steps to prolong life when such steps are morally required is just
Concerning the distinction between ‘active killing’ and ‘allowing to die’, or active euthanasia and passive euthanasia, there is a clear moral distinction between merely allowing to die and actually causing someone’s death. In the definition of ‘euthanasia’ in the Vatican’s Declaration on Euthanasia, the phrase “which of itself or by intention causes death” is necessary in order to affirm that not taking steps to prolong life when such steps are morally required is just