SLIDE 19: ABORTION (TITLE) and protected absolutely from the moment

With this understanding on suicide and of conception” (CCC 2270), and therefore
euthanasia, let us now proceed to abortion “direct abortion… is gravely contrary to the
which is one of the most widely debated and moral law” (CCC 2271). This teaching is
controversial issues in the society. based on the belief that every human being,
including the unborn, possesses the
SLIDE 20: DEFINITION OF ABORTION fundamental right to life. Moreover, the
Let us begin by understanding what Church and a Vatican document affirm that
abortion means. this doctrine is constant and unchangeable.

Abortion is defined as the intentional SLIDE 22: SACRED SCRIPTURE

termination of an ongoing pregnancy Furthermore, this teaching is supported by
through medical or surgical methods before Sacred Scripture, which affirms the sanctity
birth. It is a health intervention used to end of life even before birth. In Jeremiah 1:5,
a pregnancy. According to the World Health God declares, “Before I formed you in the
Organization (WHO), about 73 million womb I knew you,” indicating that life is
induced abortions occur worldwide each recognized and valued by God from the
year. Around 61% of unintended beginning. Likewise, Psalm 139:13-16
pregnancies end in abortion, and 29% of all describes God’s intimate involvement in the
pregnancies globally result in abortion. formation of a person in the womb: “You knit
me together in my mother’s womb.” In
With this understanding of abortion, let us addition, the commandment “You shall not
now look at the Catholic Church’s teachings kill” in Exodus 20:13 emphasizes the moral
and stance on this issue. obligation to protect innocent human life.
Therefore, the Church teaches that
SLIDE 21: THE CHURCH'S STANCE ON protecting unborn life is both a moral duty
ABORTION and a social responsibility.
The Catholic Church teaches that abortion
is morally wrong because human life is Aside from its teachings, the Church also
sacred and must be protected from the offers a compassionate response to those
moment of conception. This teaching is involved in abortion.
closely related to the Catholic Social
Teaching on the Life and Dignity of the SLIDE 23: CHURCH'S RESPONSE
Human Person, which affirms that every (READ MISMO NASA PPT)
human life is a gift from God and must be
respected. Furthermore, the principle of With these teachings in mind, we can now
Rights and Responsibilities reminds that move to the moral judgment and ethical
every human person, including the unborn, reflection on abortion.
has the fundamental right to life, and society
has the responsibility to protect and uphold SLIDE 24: MORAL STAND AND
this dignity JUDGMENT
Moreover, according to the Catechism of The act of abortion directly ends an
the Catholic Church, in paragraphs 2270 innocent human life, which is inherently
and 2271, “human life must be respected wrong according to Catholic moral teaching.
However, some argue that in certain CONCLUSION
situations—such as a life-threatening
pregnancy—the intention is to preserve the In conclusion, the Church firmly upholds the
life of the mother rather than to deliberately sanctity of human life, teaching that life is a
end the life of the unborn child. Other sacred gift from God that must be respected
intentions behind abortion may include from conception until natural death. For this
avoiding financial hardship, health risks, or reason, the Church opposes actions that
other serious difficulties. Likewise, intentionally end life, such as suicide,
circumstances may involve poverty, medical euthanasia, and abortion.
complications, or pregnancies resulting from
rape. At the same time, the Church responds not
with condemnation but with compassion,
In consideration of these elements, our mercy, and understanding for those who
stand generally aligns with the pro-life struggle with these situations. It calls us to
perspective, which upholds the sanctity and support, listen, and accompany people who
dignity of every human life. In light of the are suffering, reminding them that God’s
Catholic Social Teaching on the Life and love and forgiveness are always present.
Dignity of the Human Person, both the
mother and the unborn child possess May this presentation remind us to choose
inherent dignity and the fundamental right to life, respect human dignity, and respond to
life. Furthermore, the principle of Rights and others with empathy and care, because
Responsibilities reminds society that it has every life is valuable and worthy of love
the duty to protect human life and support
those facing difficult situations.

However, in extremely rare cases where the

pregnancy seriously threatens the life of the
mother and only one life can realistically be
saved, a tragic moral dilemma arises. In
such a situation, choosing to save the
mother may be considered the lesser evil,
since the intention is to preserve life rather
than to destroy it. Even so, this decision
remains a deeply difficult and sorrowful one,
recognizing the value of both lives involved.
Therefore, while abortion should not be
treated as a routine solution, society must
respond with compassion and responsibility.
Providing support systems for pregnant
women, access to medical care, counseling,
and options such as adoption can help
address difficult circumstances while still
respecting the dignity and value of human
life.
SLIDE 1: GREETINGS related to the Catholic Social Teaching on
Hello and Good morning everyone! the Life and Dignity of the Human Person,
Today, we will be discussing a topic that is which teaches that every person has
often difficult to talk about, but it is important inherent dignity because they are created
for us to understand it so we can become by God.
more aware of the struggles that some
people experience. By learning about it, we According to the Catechism of the Catholic
can also understand the importance of Church, specifically paragraph 2280, God is
support, empathy, and mental health the sovereign master of life. This means
awareness in our communities. that God alone has the ultimate authority
over life and death.
SLIDE 2: DEFINITION OF SUICIDE
So one of our topics is Suicide. Suicide is As human beings, we are not the owners of
the act of intentionally ending one’s own life. our lives, but rather stewards of the life
It usually happens when a person feels entrusted to us. Being stewards means that
overwhelmed by emotional pain, problems, we are responsible for caring for and
or a sense of hopelessness. Many factors valuing the life that God has given us.
can contribute to it, such as mental health Because of this, the Church teaches that
struggles, personal challenges, or feeling intentionally ending one’s own life goes
alone without support. against our responsibility to respect and
preserve the gift of life given by God.
SLIDE 3: FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS SLIDE 5: CHURCH’S STAND AND
These are the factors that influence suicidal TEACHING
thoughts; mental health struggles, personal So in this part, we will discuss the Catholic
challenges, family conflicts, bullying, and Church’s teaching about suicide. The
many more. Church teaches that human life is sacred
Because of these, suicide not only a because it is a gift from God. According to
personal issue but also a serious social and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC
moral concern. 2280), God is considered the sovereign
master of life, which means that life
Understanding suicide helps us realize how ultimately belongs to Him. As human
important it is to care for our mental health beings, we are seen as stewards or
and to support people who may be going caretakers of the life that was entrusted to
through difficult times. us.

SLIDE 4: CHURCH'S STAND Because of this belief, the Church teaches

Now we move on to the Church’s stand and that intentionally ending one’s life goes
teaching. The Church teaches that suicide against the value and sacredness of life. But
is morally wrong because human life is at the same time, the Church also
sacred and is a precious gift from God. recognizes that suicide is usually connected
Since life comes from God, it has great to deep emotional suffering. Many people
dignity and value that must always be who think about suicide are not simply
respected and protected. This is closely choosing death; often they are trying to
escape overwhelming pain, depression, Slide 7: Church’s Response
loneliness, or serious personal struggles. Now, aside from these teachings, the
Church also have a compassionate
As college students, we might relate to the response to suicide.
pressure people face today—academic Although the Church teaches that suicide is
stress, family expectations, relationship morally wrong, it also recognizes that
problems, financial worries, or feeling lost people who attempt suicide may be
about the future. These struggles can suffering from severe emotional distress,
sometimes make people feel hopeless. depression, trauma, or mental illness.

So while the Church teaches that life must Because of this, the Catechism of the
be protected, it also reminds us that people Catholic Church (CCC 2282–2283) says
who struggle with suicidal thoughts need that these conditions can lessen a person’s
understanding and support rather than moral responsibility. In other words, when
judgment. someone is experiencing intense
psychological pain, their ability to make
Slide 6: Church’s STAND and Teaching: clear decisions may be affected.
Biblical Foundations
Next, here are the biblical foundation behind This is why the Church does not simply
the Church’s teaching about life. condemn people who die by suicide.
First, in Exodus 20:13, it says: “You shall Instead, it entrusts them to the mercy and
not kill.” compassion of God. This teaching shows
that God’s mercy is greater than human
This commandment teaches that human life judgment.
should always be respected and protected.
Another important verse is Job 1:21, which For us as students and members of society,
says: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has this also sends an important message:
taken away.” Instead of blaming people who struggle with
This reminds us that life ultimately comes suicidal thoughts, we should try to
from God, and because it is a gift from Him, understand their pain and help them find
it has deep meaning and value. support. Sometimes a simple act—like
listening without judgment or checking in on
We also see this idea in 1 Corinthians 6:20, a friend—can make someone feel less
where believers are encouraged to honor alone.
God with their bodies. This verse teaches
that our lives and bodies are valuable and Slide 8 – Church’s Response
should be respected. (Compassion and Support)
But these teachings are not just about rules. We will continue by explaining how the
They also remind us of something Church encourages compassion and
important: every person’s life has dignity support for people affected by suicide.
and purpose.
The Church encourages people to pray for
those who have died by suicide and support
the families they leave behind. Losing
someone in this way can bring deep grief, “Why would someone do that?”, a more
confusion, and even feelings of guilt for the compassionate question would be: “What
family. Because of this, communities are kind of pain might this person be
encouraged to show care, understanding, experiencing?”
and emotional support. This perspective encourages us to respond
not with judgment, but with empathy,
In today’s world, this also connects to patience, and care. The key message of this
mental health awareness. Many people slide is that life is valuable, and every
today struggle silently with issues like person deserves support, understanding,
depression, anxiety, burnout, or loneliness. and hope—especially during their most
difficult moments.
For example, as students we may
sometimes experience moments where we
feel overwhelmed by responsibilities or
expectations. During those times, what
often helps the most is knowing that
someone cares and is willing to listen.

Let me ask a simple question we can all

reflect on:
When was the last time we checked on a
friend just to ask if they were really okay?
Sometimes small gestures of care can
make a big difference in someone’s life.

Slide 9: Moral Stand

This slide explains the moral perspective
about suicide using a person-centered
approach.
The main idea here is that every human life
has dignity and value, regardless of the
struggles a person is facing.

The Church teaches that suicide is not the

right solution to life’s problems, even when
someone feels overwhelmed by pain.
However, this teaching should always be
expressed with compassion and
understanding.
Many people who think about suicide are
dealing with deep emotional pain,
loneliness, or mental health challenges.
What they often need is support, hope, and
someone who truly listens. Instead of asking
SLIDE 11 morally unacceptable because it
Euthanasia is often referred to as “mercy puts an end to the lives of the sick,
killing.” The word comes from the Greek disabled, or dying.
words eu, which means good, and thanatos, ● The Church believes that human life
which means death. Together, it literally is sacred and must be respected
means “good death.” from the beginning until natural
In modern usage, euthanasia refers to the death.
intentional act of ending a person’s life in ● This belief is connected to the
order to relieve pain or suffering, especially principle of Life and Dignity of the
when the person is seriously ill or Human Person, which teaches that
experiencing extreme pain. every person has inherent dignity
because they are created by God.
SLIDE 12
There are different types of euthanasia SLIDE 14
depending on the situation. Genesis 1:27
- Voluntary euthanasia happens when “So God created mankind in His own image,
a person chooses or requests to end in the image of God He created them; male
their life. and female He created them.”
- Non-voluntary euthanasia occurs ● This verse teaches that every
when the person cannot express human being reflects God’s image.
their decision, such as when they Because of this, every life has
are unconscious. dignity and must be respected, even
- Involuntary euthanasia happens during illness or suffering.
when the person does not agree but Exodus 20:13
their life is ended. “You shall not kill.”
Euthanasia can also be classified as active ● This commandment reminds
or passive. Christians that intentionally ending
- Active euthanasia involves directly innocent human life is morally
causing death, such as giving a wrong.
substance that stops the heart. Job 1:21
- Passive euthanasia happens when “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken
medical treatment that keeps a away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
person alive is stopped, allowing ● meaning that life ultimately belongs
death to occur naturally. to God, and only God has authority
over life and death.
SLIDE 13
● The Catholic Church teaches that SLIDE 15
euthanasia is morally wrong For the Catholic Church, every
because it intentionally ends a human life is sacred because it comes from
human life. God. Because of this belief, the lives of
● According to the Catechism of the people who are sick, elderly, or disabled
Catholic Church, paragraphs 2276 to must always be respected and protected.
2277, direct euthanasia, regardless When a person is suffering from
of the intention or method used, is illness, the Church teaches that they should
be given care, compassion, and support. - Second is the intention. The
Their dignity as a human person does not intention behind euthanasia is often
disappear even if they are weak or near to stop suffering or relieve pain.
death. Even though the intention may come
For this reason, the Church rejects from compassion, the Church
euthanasia, especially when it directly teaches that a good intention cannot
causes a person’s death in order to stop justify taking a human life.
suffering. The Church teaches that - Third is the circumstances.
intentionally ending a life goes against the Situations such as serious illness or
respect that we owe to human dignity and to unbearable pain can make the
God, who is the giver of life. decision very difficult for both the
patient and their family. However,
SLIDE 16 these circumstances do not change
One important teaching related to the moral value of the action itself.
this issue is the principle called Life and
Dignity of the Human Person. This principle SLIDE 18
explains that every human life has value In conclusion, euthanasia raises serious
and must always be protected, no matter moral questions about life and suffering.
the condition of the person. According to Catholic teaching, every
Even if someone is seriously ill or human life has dignity and must be
close to death, they still have the same respected because it is a gift from God.
dignity as everyone else. Because of this, For this reason, euthanasia is considered
society has the responsibility to care for morally wrong since it intentionally ends a
them instead of choosing to end their life. human life.
The Church also emphasizes Instead of choosing death, society should
solidarity, which means standing with respond with compassion, care, medical
people who are suffering. Families, doctors, support, and love for those who are
and communities should work together to suffering, helping them live with dignity until
support patients through compassionate natural death.
care, proper medical treatment, and
emotional support so they can continue
living with dignity.

SLIDE 17
In Christian moral teaching, an action is
evaluated by looking at three important
elements: the act itself, the intention, and
the circumstances.
- First is the act itself. In euthanasia,
the act directly causes the death of a
person. From the perspective of the
Church, this action is morally wrong
because it destroys human life.