Sanctity of Life

Refers to a quality of holiness that inheres in human life due to its being created in the image and likeness of God, Imago Dei. The concept can be interpreted in two ways. In one instance, the sanctity of life can be interpreted to imply inviolability, that is, one may never intentionally interfere with continued human existence in any form for any reason. On the other hand, the sanctity of life may be interpreted as implying that human life should be treated with great reverence and respect. [Source: Keenan, JF, "The Concept of the Sanctity of Life and Its Use in Contemporary Bioethical Discussion," in Sanctity of Life and Human Dignity, ed., Kurt Bayertz (Boston, MA: Kluwer Academic, 1996), 1-18.] The concept is often considered significant for debates surrounding end of life issues in health care ethics because of the implications each interpretation holds regarding the value of purely physiological life. According to the interpretation of the sanctity of life as implying inviolability, physical human life is a value of the highest order. According to the interpretation of the sanctity of life as requiring great reverence and respect, physical human life is a penultimate value that enables human beings to flourish and serve God, i.e., physical life is subordinate to spiritual ends. (See also, Human Dignity.)

Return to Issues & Concepts

Return to For the Public - Table of Contents

Return to For Affiliates - Table of Contents