Posted: August 14th, 2022

Catholic Moral Theology and the Medical Field

Catholic Moral Theology and the Medical Field

Catholic moral theology is a branch of theology that studies the moral principles and norms that guide human actions in the light of faith and reason. It draws from the sources of revelation, such as Scripture and Tradition, as well as natural law, human experience, and the magisterium of the Church. Catholic moral theology aims to help people form their conscience, discern God’s will, and live according to the Gospel values.

One of the areas where Catholic moral theology has a significant role is the medical field. Medicine is a noble profession that seeks to promote health, prevent disease, and heal illness. However, medicine also faces many ethical challenges and dilemmas, especially in the context of modern biotechnology and bioethics. Some of the issues that Catholic moral theology addresses in relation to medicine are:

– The dignity and sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. Catholic moral theology affirms that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God and has an inherent and inviolable dignity. Therefore, any action that directly or indirectly attacks, harms, or destroys human life is morally wrong. This includes abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, embryonic stem cell research, cloning, genetic engineering, and organ trafficking.
– The respect for human sexuality and procreation. Catholic moral theology teaches that human sexuality is a gift from God that expresses the love and communion between a man and a woman in marriage. Sexuality also has a procreative dimension that cooperates with God’s creative plan. Therefore, any action that violates the meaning and purpose of sexuality and procreation is morally wrong. This includes contraception, sterilization, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, homosexuality, and pornography.
– The principle of double effect. Catholic moral theology recognizes that some actions may have both good and bad effects, and that sometimes it may be morally permissible to perform such actions if certain conditions are met. The principle of double effect states that an action is morally acceptable if: (1) the action itself is good or indifferent; (2) the intention of the agent is good; (3) the good effect is not achieved by means of the bad effect; and (4) there is a proportionate reason to tolerate the bad effect.
– The principle of totality. Catholic moral theology acknowledges that human beings are composed of body and soul, and that both aspects need to be respected and cared for. The principle of totality states that it is morally permissible to intervene on the human body for therapeutic reasons, as long as the intervention does not harm or mutilate the integrity of the person. For example, it is morally acceptable to remove a diseased organ or limb if it poses a serious threat to the health or life of the person.
– The principle of stewardship. Catholic moral theology reminds us that human beings are not the owners but the stewards of God’s creation. The principle of stewardship states that we have a responsibility to use our talents, resources, and environment in a way that honors God, serves the common good, and respects the dignity of every creature. For example, it is morally obligatory to practice medicine with competence, compassion, honesty, and justice.

These are some of the main topics that Catholic moral theology covers in relation to the medical field. By applying its principles and norms, Catholic moral theology helps medical professionals and patients to make ethical decisions that uphold human dignity and reflect God’s love.

References:

– Catechism of the Catholic Church (1997). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
– Grisez, G., Boyle Jr., J., Finnis J., & May W.E. (1988). Practical Principles,
Moral Truths, and Ultimate Ends. American Journal of Jurisprudence 32(1), 99-151.
– Kelly D.F. (2006). Contemporary Catholic Health Care Ethics (2nd ed.). Washington DC: Georgetown University Press.
– Pellegrino E.D., & Thomasma D.C. (1993). The Christian Virtues in Medical Practice.
Washington DC: Georgetown University Press.

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