BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN CATHOLIC ETHICS

by

Ric A. Cervera, PhD

1) Principle of Stewardship
human life comes from God
we have the responsibility to protect and defend it

we have the obligation to seek appropriate medical care to ensure its proper functioning

2. Principle of Inviolability of Human Life

inalienable right to life Gods has ultimate power on human life

According to Catholic moral theology, the taking of life may be justified in cases of self defense and just war.

However, the direct killing of an innocent person on ones own authority is always wrong.

3. Principle of Totality the whole is greater than any

of its parts

a part exists for the good of the whole and may be sacrificed when necessary to serve the proportionate good for the whole

the principle applies only when a part of the body jeopardizes the interest of the whole body

The Principle of Totality justifies a series of surgical interventions done in daily clinical practice. Specific operations do not in themselves present moral problems if surgical ablation involves a diseased organ. The difficulties are encountered in cases of plastic surgery, organ transplants and above all, sterilization.

Moral Principles
a) Any part of the body, healthy or diseased, may be sacrificed if such step is the only measure of safeguarding the health and life of the whole body.

b) It is immoral to lessen the functional perfection

and completeness of the body when such a measure is not required for the preservation of the health and life of the whole body.

It does not apply to:

a) sacrificing the individual for the sake of society (i.e. research on human subjects) b) taking of an organ from one person for transplantation into another c) destruction of the fetus to serve the interests of the mother

Question:
How about the mutilation of sexual functions as in the case of sterilization?

4. Principle of Sexuality & Procreation

sexuality is embedded far deeper than satisfaction of human desire sexuality is to be used based on Gods purpose and according to its natural end

Two purposes of sexual function according to Catholic moral theology:

a) procreation and nurturing of children (procreative)

b) express the loving union of companionship (unitive)

Note: justify the sacrifice of reproductive powers

- the principle of totality cannot

Question:
How about the case of cancerous uterus, which, if not removed, would surely kill the patient?