Folia Theologica 19. (2008)
Hámori Antal: Human dignity in church Teaching
HUMAN DIGNITY IN CHURCH TEACHING 59 14. Respect of the dignity of human beings: respect of other's soul (prohibition of scandal),110 respect of health, respect of a human being in the field of scientific research, respect of physical integrity, respect of the dying and deceased a) Respect of health Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.111 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air.112 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.113 b) Respect of a human being in the field of scientific research Scientific, medical, or psychological experiments on human individuals or groups can contribute to healing the sick and the advancement of public health.114 Research or experimentation on the human being cannot legitimate acts that are in themselves contrary to the dignity of persons and to the moral law. The subjects' potential consent does not justify such acts. Experimentation on human beings is not morally legitimate if it exposes the subject7s life or physical and psychological integrity to disproportionate or avoidable risks. Experimentation on human beings does 110 See CCC 2284-2287, 2326. Cf. Mt 7:15; 18:6; Lk 17:1; 1 Cor 8:10-13; Eph 6:4; Col 3:21. 111 CCC 2288-2289. 112 CCC 2290. 113 CCC 2291. 114 CCC 2292. See CCC 2293-2294.
