Skip to content

Abortion Quote by Pope John Paul II

“The choice of euthanasia becomes more serious when it takes the form of a murder committed by others on a person who has in no way requested it and who has never consented to it. The height of arbitrariness and injustice is reached when certain people, such as physicians or legislators, arrogate…” quote by Pope John Paul II
Download Open image
“The choice of euthanasia becomes more serious when it takes the form of a murder committed by others on a person who has in no way requested it and who has never consented to it. The height of arbitrariness and injustice is reached when certain people, such as physicians or legislators, arrogate to themselves the power to decide who ought to live and who ought to die.”

Pope John Paul II

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, 1995

The quote warns that allowing others to decide life or death without the individual's consent is a grave injustice and abuse of power.

In simple terms: Taking life decisions away from the person is unjust.

Key Takeaway

Respect personal autonomy in end‑of‑life matters.

Themes

ethics human rights medical law politics justice

Mood

serious reflective concerned

Type

ethical philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • hospital policies
  • legislation
  • family decisions
  • clinical practice
  • public debate

Key Concepts

autonomy state power moral responsibility sanctity of life

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance individual autonomy with societal protection?
  • When is it ethical to intervene in another’s life?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook complex suffering cases where consent is ambiguous.

3.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Pope John Paul II

Explore all 525 Pope John Paul II quotes

More Abortion quotes

Browse all 1,629 Abortion quotes