Church Teachings on Life and Dignity

"We proclaim that human life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives this gift has responsibilities toward God, self, and others; and that society, through its laws and social institutions, must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence. These beliefs flow from ordinary reason and from our faith's constant witness that 'life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception' (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, no. 51) a teaching that has been a constant part of the Christian message since the apostolic age." — U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops, Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, November 2001

For a thorough explanation of the Catholic Church's teachings on human life and dignity, visit the USCCB. The following offers links to some of the information available. For more information, contact the Respect Life Office.

• Abstinence and Chastity
• Abortion
• Bioethics Materials
  • National Catholic Bioethics Center
• Conscience Protection
• Contraception
• Death Penalty
  • "Death Penalty: Catholic Q&A"
  • "Pena de Muerte: Preguntas y Respuestas Católicas"
  • "Standing For Life: Our Catholic Faith and the Death Penalty"
  • "Sustentando la Vida: Nuestra Fe Católica y la Pena de Muerte"
• Domestic Violence
• Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
• Human Cloning
• Human Trafficking
• Love and Sexuality
• Pornography
• Reproductive Technology
• Stem Cell Research

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