What does the Catholic Church teach about euthanasia?

The Catholic Church teaches that euthanasia — the deliberate killing of a person to end suffering — is gravely wrong, regardless of the motive or circumstances. The Catechism declares: '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' (CCC 2277). This includes both active euthanasia (directly causing death) and assisted suicide (providing the means for someone to kill themselves). However, the Church does not require extraordinary or disproportionate means to prolong life. A patient may refuse overly burdensome treatments, and pain management is morally acceptable even if it may indirectly shorten life, provided the intention is to relieve suffering, not to cause death (the principle of double effect). Ordinary care — food, water, warmth, hygiene — must always be provided. The Church encourages palliative care and hospice as alternatives that respect human dignity while alleviating suffering.