Abstract

Physician-assisted suicide affects patients and also their families and loved ones. Committing suicide deprives a person of the remaining time he or she has in this life. It also deprives the family and friends of someone whose life they’ve shared. This reality causes tremendous pain for those left behind and gives rise to many complex emotions and questions. PAS is not a dignified way to die. One of the most central elements of Catholic doctrine is its emphasis on how we are created in the image and likeness of God, who is the beginning and end of all living beings. Since Catholics believe that God is the author and giver of life, it is morally wrong to purposely end one’s life or the life of another directly or indirectly.