Life Extension Technology:
Is It Acceptable To Postpone One’s Life? When one’s life nears its end, it may feel necessary to prolong the time spent here on earth. The intent may be to spend extra time with family and friends before death, or someone of the younger generation may wish to extend their life to simply have a chance to live it. When close to death, being given the opportunity to live longer and accepting what is offered seems to be a reasonable choice, but is it moral or ethical? In the eyes of the Catholic Church, certain life extenders (such as a blood transfusion) are morally acceptable. Life extension technology can be administered to dying patients in many forms. Pacemakers, respirators, and blood transfusions fall under this category. (A different kind of usage includes to prolong healthy individuals into living past the expected age, nearing 120 years of life.…show more content… It is sincere decision to donate oneself so that another may have life. Those who do this are called to love. They would respond to the claim, “Donating blood is putting yourself in the place of God,” by referencing the verse John 15:13. “No one has greater love than this,to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” (John 15:13). Pope Saint John Paul II clarified that it is mandatory that this form of treatment only occurs when it is so vital they must receive the transfusion. Catholics believe the body is not just physical and taking someone else’s blood when not needed risks loss of identity. A bishop who was familiar with the situation of the Chilean woman in 2008 argued that the sanctity of life was more important than worrying about one’s conscience. Life is very meaningful and valuable and to waste it when there was an opportunity to live was seen as a violation to him. Someone dedicated himself to the other person. The recipient should be aware of the honorable gift being bestowed upon
