WHEREAS, The Bible teaches that God created all human life in His own image and declares human life to be sacred from conception until death; and
WHEREAS, Southern Baptists have historically affirmed biblical teaching regarding the sanctity of human life; and
WHEREAS, A growing “quality of life” ethic has led to increasing acceptance of euthanasia and assisted suicide in the United States.
Therefore, Be it RESOLVED, That we the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, June 9-11, 1992, affirm the biblical prohibition against the taking of innocent human life by another person, or oneself, through euthanasia or assisted suicide; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That in light of the fact that the end of life may be painful, we urge scientists and physicians to continue their research into more effective pain management; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we encourage hospitals, nursing care facilities, and hospices to increase their efforts to keep dying persons as comfortable as possible and call on Christians to help provide companionship and appropriate physical and spiritual ministry to persons who are dying; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we oppose efforts to designate food and water as “extraordinary treatment,” and urge that nutrition and hydration continue to be viewed as compassionate and ordinary medical care and humane treatment; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we reject as appropriate any action which, of itself or by intention, causes a person’s death; and
Be it finally RESOLVED, That we call upon federal, state, and local governments to prosecute under the law physicians or others who practice euthanasia or assist patients to commit suicide.