9.4.1 Sanctity & Quality of Life

Sanctity of Life

Definition:

Debates:

• Abortion: The sanctity of life is a central argument in debates about abortion. Those who uphold this belief often argue that life begins at conception and that terminating a pregnancy is morally wrong because it ends an innocent human life. Opponents of this view may argue for the rights of the mother or consider circumstances such as severe fetal abnormalities or risk to the mother's health.
• Euthanasia: Euthanasia raises ethical questions about the sanctity of life, as it involves intentionally ending a life to relieve suffering. Supporters of euthanasia may argue for the importance of autonomy and the right to choose a dignified death, while opponents argue that all life is sacred and should not be ended prematurely.
• Capital Punishment: The debate over capital punishment often hinges on the sanctity of life. Those who oppose the death penalty argue that it violates the intrinsic value of human life, even for those who have committed serious crimes. Supporters may argue that it serves as a deterrent and a form of justice for the most heinous offenses.

Quality of Life

Definition:

Debates:

• End-of-Life Care: Quality of life is a significant consideration in discussions about end-of-life care. Decisions about whether to continue life-sustaining treatment, such as ventilators or feeding tubes, often depend on whether the treatment is improving or merely prolonging life with significant suffering. Some argue that when quality of life is severely diminished, it may be more compassionate to allow natural death.
• Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: In debates about euthanasia and assisted suicide, the concept of quality of life is central. Proponents argue that individuals should have the right to end their lives if they are suffering unbearably and their quality of life is irreparably low. Opponents, however, may argue that life should be preserved regardless of its quality, focusing instead on palliative care to manage pain and improve comfort.
• Life-Sustaining Treatment: Decisions about withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, such as in cases of severe disability or terminal illness, often involve considerations of quality of life. The debate here revolves around whether it is ethical to continue treatment that may extend life but not improve its quality, or whether it is more humane to allow a natural death when quality of life is extremely poor.

Application to Religious Beliefs

Christianity: Sanctity of Life and Quality of Life

Sanctity of Life in Christianity

• Divine Creation: Christianity teaches that all human life is created by God and is therefore sacred. This belief is rooted in the Bible, where it is stated that humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This gives human life a unique and sacred status.

Moral Implications:

• Abortion: Many Christians believe that life begins at conception and that abortion is morally wrong because it ends a sacred life. However, there are debates within Christianity about exceptions, such as when the mother's life is at risk.
• Euthanasia: Christians are generally opposed to euthanasia, believing that life is a gift from God and only God has the authority to take it away. Suffering is sometimes seen as part of the human experience that should be endured with faith. The only person who has the right to take away life is God. People who are involved in euthanasia are therefore standing in God's position.
• Capital Punishment: Views on capital punishment vary among Christians. Some oppose it on the grounds that it violates the sanctity of life, while others believe it is a just penalty for certain crimes, although this view is increasingly less common.

Quality of Life in Christianity

• Compassionate Care: Christianity emphasizes the importance of compassion and care for those who are suffering. This leads to a focus on improving the quality of life, especially in contexts like end-of-life care.
• Moral Implications:
  • End-of-Life Decisions: Many Christians support palliative care to relieve pain and suffering, even if it might unintentionally shorten life. This approach prioritizes the quality of life, ensuring that individuals are not forced to endure unnecessary suffering.
  • Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: While generally opposed to euthanasia due to the sanctity of life, some Christians debate the role of quality of life when considering passive euthanasia (withdrawing life-sustaining treatment) in cases where there is no hope of recovery, and suffering is extreme.

Islam: Sanctity of Life and Quality of Life

Sanctity of Life in Islam

• Life as a Gift from Allah: In Islam, all human life is considered sacred because it is a gift from Allah. The Qur'an teaches that only Allah has the authority to give and take life (Qur'an 6:151).
• Moral Implications:
  • Abortion: Abortion is generally prohibited in Islam, particularly after 120 days of pregnancy, when it is believed that the soul (Ruh) enters the fetus. Exceptions are made if the mother's life is in danger or in cases of severe fetal deformity, reflecting a balance between the sanctity of life and compassion for the mother.
  • Euthanasia: Euthanasia is generally forbidden in Islam, as it is seen as an act of interfering with Allah's will. Life should be preserved, and suffering is often viewed as a test from Allah, to be met with patience and faith.
  • Capital Punishment: Islam permits capital punishment for certain serious crimes, such as murder or apostasy, based on the teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith. However, the sanctity of life is also emphasized, and the death penalty is seen as a last resort, with opportunities for forgiveness and restitution strongly encouraged.

Quality of Life in Islam

• Life as a Trust from Allah: While life is sacred and should be preserved, Islam also recognizes the importance of quality of life. This balance is crucial in ethical decisions about medical treatment and end-of-life care.
• Moral Implications:
  • Palliative Care: Islam encourages the alleviation of suffering, and palliative care is seen as a compassionate response to those nearing the end of life. While life should be respected, excessive measures to prolong life when there is no hope of recovery are not always required.
  • Euthanasia: Active euthanasia is prohibited in Islam, but the quality of life is considered when making decisions about withholding or withdrawing treatment that only prolongs suffering without offering a chance of recovery.