The following page contains links to common issues addressed by the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
The Dignity of the Person
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 great importance in today’s world.”
Living the Gospel of Life: a Challenge to American Catholics
“It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are funded and from which they develop.” Pope John Paul II
Respect for Unborn Human Life
We believe that every being has a human destiny and is being prepared by God to receive an immortal soul (cf. Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you"). Because of the firm stance that the dignity of a person must be recognized and protected from conception to natural death, the Church has a common conviction that abortion is gravely wrong at every stage.
Married Love and the Gift of Life
Marriage is more than a civil contract; it is a lifelong covenant of love between a man and a woman. It is an intimate partnership in which husbands and wives learn to give and receive love unselfishly, and then teach their children to do so as well.
Forgiveness and Mercy
A guide to making a thorough examination of conscience and a good confession.
Stem Cell Research
“Stem cell research has captured the imagination of many in our society. Stem cells are relatively unspecialized cells that, when they divide, can replicate themselves and also produce a variety of more specialized cells. Scientists hope these biological building blocks can be directed to produce many types of cells to repair the human body, cure disease, and alleviate suffering. Stem cells from adult tissues, umbilical cord blood, and placenta (often loosely called “adult stem cells”) can be obtained without harm to the donor and without any ethical problem, and these have already demonstrated great medical promise. But some scientists are most intrigued by stem cells obtained by destroying an embryonic human being in the first week or so of development. Harvesting these “embryonic stem cells” involves the deliberate killing of innocent human beings, a gravely immoral act. Yet some try to justify it by appealing to a hoped-for future benefit to others.”
Human Cloning and Embryo Research
“Legislators in many states are being urged to pass legislation promoting human embryo research and even human cloning for research purposes to ensure that their states maintain progress and profits in the field of biotechnology.”
End of Life Issues
A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decisions; An Explanation of Church Teaching on Advance Directives, Euthanasia, and Physician Assisted Suicide
Nutrition and Hydration
Food and water are a natural means for preserving life, and is not a therapeutic treatment.
Response to Certain Questions on Nutrition and Hydration
Is the administration of food and water to a patient in a “vegetative state” morally obligatory? When may nutrition and hydration be discontinued? These and other questions are addressed in this section.