Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 379 – Part V.

YOUCAT Question n. 379 – Part V. What sorts of attacks on human life are forbidden by the Fifth Commandment?

(Youcat answer - repeated) Murder and acting as an accomplice to murder are forbidden. Killing unarmed civilians during a war is forbidden. The abortion of a human being, from the moment of conception on, is forbidden. Suicide, self-mutilation, and self-destructive behavior are forbidden. Euthanasia — killing the handicapped, the sick, and the dying — is also forbidden.    

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2275) "One must hold as licit procedures carried out on the human embryo which respect the life and integrity of the embryo and do not involve disproportionate risks for it, but are directed toward its healing, the improvement of its condition of health, or its individual survival" (CDF, Donum vitae I, 3). It is immoral to produce human embryos intended for exploitation as disposable biological material" (CDF, Donum vitae I, 5). "Certain attempts to influence chromosomic or genetic inheritance are not therapeutic but are aimed at producing human beings selected according to sex or other predetermined qualities. Such manipulations are contrary to the personal dignity of the human being and his integrity and identity" (CDF, Donum vitae I, 6) which are unique and unrepeatable. 

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Today people often try to get around the Fifth Commandment with seemingly humane arguments. But neither euthanasia nor abortion is a humane solution. That is why the Church is perfectly clear on these questions. Whoever participates in an abortion, forces a woman to undergo an abortion, or merely advises her to do so is automatically excommunicated just as with other crimes against human life. If a psychologically ill person commits suicide, responsibility for the act of killing is often diminished and in many cases completely annulled.   

(CCC Comment)  

(CCC 2276) Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.  

(This question: What sorts of attacks on human life are forbidden by the Fifth Commandment? is continued)