Respect Life

The Catholic Church's Respect Life stance is rooted in the belief that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27) and therefore possesses inherent dignity from conception until natural death. Because human life is sacred, Catholics are called to protect, defend, and accompany every person at every stage of life.

The Church's Respect Life teaching includes:

• Protection of the unborn – The Church opposes abortion and encourages support for mothers, fathers, and families facing difficult pregnancies through compassion, practical assistance, and prayer.

• Care for mothers and families – Respect for life includes providing emotional, spiritual, financial, and material support to parents and children.

• Opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide – Human life should be respected and protected until natural death, with compassionate palliative and hospice care for those who are seriously ill or dying.

• Defense of the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable – Every person's life has equal dignity regardless of age, health, ability, or social status.

• Opposition to capital punishment – The Church teaches that, in light of today's means of protecting society, the death penalty is inadmissible because it attacks the inviolability and dignity of the human person.

• Promotion of peace and justice – Respect for life includes opposing war whenever possible, reducing violence, caring for victims of human trafficking, and working to eliminate poverty, racism, and other conditions that threaten human dignity.

• Care for creation – Stewardship of God's creation is also part of respecting life, recognizing that a healthy environment supports human flourishing.