Church’s Teaching on Life
Beginning of Life
Abortion – USCCB Pro-Life Activities Abortion Website
This website contains Church documents, articles, columns, fact sheets, and other information on the issue of abortion.
Abortion and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Article 5 of the Catechism, on the Fifth Commandment, sections 2258 to 2330, has information on the sanctity of human life and the issue of abortion (click “next” to access the sections).
Abortion Declaration
Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith 1974 declaration on abortion.
Artificial Insemination – Donum Vitae – Instruction On Respect For Human Life In Its Origin
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith instruction concerning biomedical techniques which make it possible to intervene in the initial phase of the life of a human being and in the very processes of procreation and their conformity with the principles of Catholic morality.
Artificial Insemination and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Article 6 of the Catechism, on the Sixth Commandment, sections 2373 to 2379, has information on the sanctity of human life and the gift of a child.
Bioethics – USCCB Bioethics resource page
This website contains information on bioethics such as in-vitro fertilization, stem cell research and more
Cloning – Donum Vitae – Instruction On Respect For Human Life In Its Origin
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith instruction concerning biomedical techniques which make it possible to intervene in the initial phase of the life of a human being and in the very processes of procreation and their conformity with the principles of Catholic morality.
Cloning – Pontifical Academy for Life – Reflections on Cloning
This document was issued in 1997 after the success of Scottish scientists in cloning the sheep “Dolly”.
Contraception – USCCB Contraception Information Website
This website contains Church documents, articles, columns, fact sheets, and other information on the issue of contraception.
Contraception and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Article 6 of the Catechism, on the Sixth Commandment, sections 2366 to 2372, has information on marriage, the regulation of procreation, and contraception.
Declaration on the Respect For Human Life In Its Origin
Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith 1987 Declaration on the respect for human life in its origin and on the dignity of procreation with replies to certain questions of the day.
Dignitas Personae
“The dignity of a person must be recognized in every human being from conception to natural death. This fundamental principle expresses a great “yes” to human life and must be at the center of ethical reflection on biomedical research, which has an ever greater importance in today’s world. The Church’s Magisterium has frequently intervened to clarify and resolve moral questions in this area. The Instruction Donum vitae was particularly significant.[1] And now, twenty years after its publication, it is appropriate to bring it up to date.”
Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)
Pope John Paul II’s 1995 Encyclical Letter on the Gospel of Life.
Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life)
Pope Paul VI’s 1968 Encyclical Letter On Human Life.
In Vitro Fertilization – Donum Vitae – Instruction On Respect For Human Life In Its Origin
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith instruction concerning biomedical techniques which make it possible to intervene in the initial phase of the life of a human being and in the very processes of procreation and their conformity with the principles of Catholic morality.
Roe v. Wade – USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Roe v. Wade Website
This website contains Church documents, articles, columns, fact sheets, and other information on Roe v. Wade.
Sterilization and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Article 5 of the Catechism, on the Fifth Commandment, section 2297 has information on the respect for bodily integrity and the issue of sterilization.
Surrogate Motherhood – Donum Vitae – Instruction On Respect For Human Life In Its Origin
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith instruction concerning biomedical techniques which make it possible to intervene in the initial phase of the life of a human being and in the very processes of procreation and their conformity with the principles of Catholic morality.
Surrogate Motherhood and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Article 6 of the Catechism, on the Six Commandment, sections 2373 to 2379, has information on the sanctity of human life and the gift of a child.
End of Life
End of Life Planning Workbook (Preview Sample)
This comprehensive workbook will provide a blueprint of your personal affairs and wishes for your family to follow during a serious illness and after your death. Your loved ones will be asked to make important decisions on your behalf and the information compiled in this guide can help alleviate many of the concerns and sources of anxiety. It can also help ensure that your wishes for treatment and handling of your financial and funeral affairs are fulfilled. This workbook is a free resource for Catholics in the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Due to its comprehensive nature, we ask that you contact us to receive the full binder print. If you would like a full guide please contact Catholic Community Foundation 605-988-3784.
Into the Father’s Arms
This document offers thorough and practical insight into the Church’s teachings on life and death. This will assist you in making sound decisions in accordance with the Church’s commitment to uphold the dignity of human life.
Sample Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
This is a sample Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care document. This should be reviewed by your lawyer.
End of Life Education
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services
The purpose of the Ethical and Religious Directives issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is twofold: first, to reaffirm the ethical standards of behavior in health care that flow from the Church’s teaching about the dignity of the human person; and second, to provide authoritative guidance on certain moral issues that face Catholic health care today.
Salvifici Dolores: On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering
Apostalic Letter from John Paul II on the mystery of suffering, its meaning, and the quest to answer the question of why we suffer.
Declaration on Euthanasia
Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith 1980 declaration on euthanasia.
Euthanasia and the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Article 5 of the Catechism, on the Fifth Commandment, sections 2258 to 2283, has information on the sanctity of human life and the issue of euthanasia (click “next” to access the sections).
Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)
Pope John Paul II’s 1995 Encyclical Letter on the Gospel of Life, sections 64 to 67 with special emphasis.
March 20, 2004, Address of Pope John Paul II on Life Sustaining Treatment
Address of John Paul II to the participants in the International Congress on life-sustaining treatments and the vegetative state.
Responses to Certain Questions Concerning Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, August 1, 2007, responses to certain questions regarding artificial hydration and nutrition.
Commentary on Artificial Nutrition and Hydration Questions and Responses
Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, August 1, 2007, expanded commentary on its responses to certain questions regarding artificial hydration and nutrition.
To Live Each Day with Dignity: A Statement on Physician-Assisted Suicide
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on June 16, 2011 approved “To Live Each Day with Dignity: A Statement on Assisted Suicide”.
USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities Euthanasia Website
This website contains more Church documents, articles, columns, fact sheets, and other information on the issue of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide.