Is All Life Sacred? A Question on the Sanctity of Human Life

January is celebrated as Sanctity of Human Life month in the U.S. But is all life sacred? I know what I believe, but I’m wondering what we consider to be “life.” Think about it. People who consider themselves “pro-life,” often talk about unborn babies. But what about beyond?

When I was in high school, I did a report on my desire for the abolishment of the death penalty. I wrote in the paper that since I believed “all life is sacred,” we do not have the right to take the life of another human. . . no matter how vile that person might be. I attended a conservative Christian school and many of my peers and teachers disagreed. So again, is all life really sacred?

You may have heard the heartbreaking story about Marlise Munoz, the 33 year-old pregnant mother whose family is fighting to have her removed from life support. They assert that she is brain dead and has no chance of survival. Problem is, Marlise is pregnant with the couple’s second child. Under Texas law, a pregnant woman cannot be removed from life support.

I’m torn over this one. Of course I believe all life is sacred, and I think everything medically and spiritually possible should be done to keep this woman alive, especially for the sake of the unborn baby (which appears to have severe abnormalities). Another part of me though thinks the doctors should let this woman go in peace, especially if she is truly brain dead.

I’ve had friends and family in the unfortunate position of taking a loved one off life support. I pray I’m never in that situation. I believe all things are possible to him who believes. And having faith in times like this stretches us to our maximum.

Asking ourselves is all life sacred causes us to dig deep within our true values. Do we truly believe all life is sacred and shouldn’t be destroyed or is it on a case by case basis. I’d love to hear your thoughts!