Folia Theologica 19. (2008)
Hámori Antal: Human dignity in church Teaching
HUMAN DIGNITY IN CHURCH TEACHING 57 sible, like any other human being. Prenatal diagnosis is morally licit, „if it respects the life and integrity of the embryo and the human fetus and is directed toward its safe guarding or healing as an individual. ... It is gravely opposed to the moral law when this is done with the thought of possibly inducing an abortion, depending upon the results: a diagnosis must not be the equivalent of a death sentence"98.99 „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."100 „It is immoral to produce human embryos intended for exploitation as disposable biological material."101 „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" which are unique and unrepeatable.102 c) Prohibition of euthanasia Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.103 Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable. Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.104 98 DonumV I, 2. 99 CCC 2274; 2323. 100 DonumV I, 3. 101 DonumV I, 5. 102 DonumV I, 6; CCC 2275. 103 CCC 2276. 104 CCC 2277. See CCC 2278, 2324. Cf. CDF, Iura et bona.
