Read the Catechism in a Year
Day 274 - Violations of Bodily Integrity and Assisting the Dying
The Fifth Commandment: You shall not kill.
What sorts of acts violate the human right to bodily integrity?
This right is violated by the use of violence, kidnapping and hostage taking, terrorism, torture, rape, and forced sterilization as well as by amputation and mutilation.
These fundamental violations against justice, charity, and human dignity are not justified even when they are backed by government authority. Conscious of the historical guilt of Christians as well, the Church today fights against all use of physical or psychological force, especially against torture.
How do Christians assist someone who is dying?
Christians do not leave a dying person alone. They help him so that he can die in faith-filled trust, in dignity and peace. They pray with him and take care that the sacraments are administered to him at the right time. (YOUCAT questions 392-393)
Dig Deeper: Corresponding CCC section (2297-2299) and other references here.
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