Euthanasia

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 is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal destiny (Genesis 1:27). Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be taken away by human agreement.

All persons, including those who are physically or mentally impaired, possess God-given humanhood.

Euthanasia is a deliberate act causing the intentional death of a person in order to relieve that person's suffering. Withholding or withdrawing 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. To respect a competent adult's refusal of treatment or request to discontinue treatment is not euthanasia.

Assisted suicide is defined as directly helping or encouraging someone to end his/her own life. Therefore, The Salvation Army believes that euthanasia and assisted suicide undermine human dignity and are morally wrong regardless of age or disability.

The Christian faith puts death into proper perspective as the transition from earthly life to eternal life (2 Timothy 4:6-8). It is appropriate to make suitable preparation for death, especially spiritual preparation, and to inform loved ones and caregivers about one's wishes. Advance health care directives, which take effect when one is no longer able to make decisions about one's own medical care, can provide valuable assistance. However, the possibility does exist that subtle pressure will be placed on the sick, the elderly, the disabled and the dying to act contrary to their own wishes in order not to become a burden.

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