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. 2022 Dec;61(6):4758-4782.
doi: 10.1007/s10943-022-01498-5. Epub 2022 Jan 29.

Perspectives of Major World Religions regarding Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: A Comparative Analysis

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Perspectives of Major World Religions regarding Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: A Comparative Analysis

Graham Grove et al. J Relig Health. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (EPAS) are important contemporary societal issues and religious faiths offer valuable insights into any discussion on this topic. This paper explores perspectives on EPAS of the four major world religions, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, through analysis of their primary texts. A literature search of the American Theological Library Association database revealed 41 relevant secondary texts from which pertinent primary texts were extracted and exegeted. These texts demonstrate an opposition to EPAS based on themes common to all four religions: an external locus of morality and the personal hope for a better future after death that transcends current suffering. Given that these religions play a significant role in the lives of billions of adherents worldwide, it is important that lawmakers consider these views along with conscientious objection in jurisdictions where legal EPAS occurs. This will not only allow healthcare professionals and institutions opposed to EPAS to avoid engagement, but also provide options for members of the public who prefer an EPAS-free treatment environment.

Keywords: Assisted suicide; Euthanasia; Religion.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors have declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Number of relevant articles identified by religion. Note: Fig. 1 shows the number of articles that explored the ethics of euthanasia from the perspective of at least one of the major world religions identified through an ATLA search for “euthanasia”. Some articles examined more than one religion and are therefore represented more than once in the chart

References

    1. Mahabharata (S. Subramuniyaswami, Trans.). Internet Sacred Text Archive. https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/mbs/mbs13117.htm
    1. Samyutta Nikaya (Bhikku Sujata, Trans.). Sutta Central. https://suttacentral.net/sn
    1. Vinaya Piṭaka (Bhikku Brahmali, Trans.). (2001). Sutta Central. https://suttacentral.net/pli-tv-bu-vb-pj3
    1. The Quran (M. A. S. Abdel Haleem, Trans.). (2004). Oxford University Press.
    1. Isha Upanishad (Sri Aurobindo, Trans.). 2003. Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publication Department.

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