Euthanasia in the world (Video of 2015)
(CNN) -
The Vatican has condemned euthanasia and assisted suicide in its strongest words yet.
He called it an "act of murder" that can never be justified, in a document issued Tuesday.
The doctrinal office of the Vatican published the 17-page document called "The Good Samaritan."
There he reaffirms the prohibitions of the Catholic Church on euthanasia and assisted suicide.
This comes as some traditionally Catholic countries are considering legalizing them.
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Vatican: Euthanasia, a "grave sin"
Euthanasia is a "crime against human life" and an "inherently evil act in all situations and circumstances," the document says.
The Vatican says that those who pass laws in favor of euthanasia and assisted suicide are "accomplices of a grave sin that others will execute."
Euthanasia involves a doctor administering a drug to end the life of a patient who is suffering.
On the other hand, assisted suicide allows the patient to administer her own lethal drug, usually under the supervision of a physician.
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Currently, some form of dying assistance is legal in nine US states and Washington.
Euthanasia is legal in three European countries (the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg).
Spain and Portugal, traditionally Catholic countries, are considering laws that would legalize euthanasia.
«The Good Samaritan» encourages healthcare workers and families to accompany a terminally ill patient in their suffering and blames a culture that values "autonomy and individualism" over the community for allowing and helping terminally ill patients with their lives.
To participate in euthanasia, the document says, "is to take God's place in deciding the moment of death."
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