Abstract
In this paper I discuss what Richard A. McCormick, S. J., thought about the problem of euthanasia. McCormick wrote a number of papers on this theme in the 1970s. By considering these papers, we can consider his fundamental thoughts on this theme, namely that active euthanasia or mercy killing should never be permitted, but passive euthanasia may be permitted under some conditions. He insists that, rejecting the stance of medical vitalism, we should consider problems of passive euthanasia case by case. In doing so we also should, from the viewpoint of Christianity, consider the quality of life that is founded upon human relationships. He makes human relationships his most crucial point in his paper "To Save or Let Die," and later bases it upon whether or not there is some cerebral ability for human relationship. He thinks that this foundation is reasonable, so he allows for passive euthanasia of PVS patients as reasonable, since in such cases the person's cerebral ability is severely damaged. However, doubts remain as to the connection between reasonableness and relationships. McCormick does not doubt the connection between the two, but in fact family relationships often cause people to continue life support even when it is "unreasonable." McCormick's thinking tends to support what is "reasonable," but I would like to think about the problem of euthanasia in light of his writings on human relationships.
