Humans can rationalize almost anything. We claim to have compassion and value life. However, we pass legislation protecting wildlife and laws regarding animal cruelty but fail to respect human life. Rather than encouraging euthanasia, we could focus on excellent palliative care or increase the quality of life of those who suffer. Rather than enacting laws that allow for euthanasia in cases where there are non-lethal medical problems, we could provide support and counseling. Rather than approve of minors’ deaths without parental consent, we could involve families and provide alternative means of support. Rather than supporting the idea of post-birth abortion (infanticide) for less-than-perfect children, we could foster an attitude of acceptance for those who are not perfect.

How can we continue to use euphemisms for killing unborn children and argue that the most important human right is the ability to kill your child? Women’s healthcare cannot be redefined, in an Orwellian fashion, to mean killing the defenseless; it is perverse and speaks to the perversity of the human heart.

If I could believe we were simply accidents of the universe, it might make sense. If true, our lives have no meaning, and it is up to the powerful to determine the morality we should adopt. Life could be centered around utilitarian principles. We do what helps us, and others are secondary or of no value at all. Though cruel, it is consistent.

But utilitarianism fails. There is adequate evidence that we are not accidents of the universe. We are beings created in the image of God. Each person is an individual. Each person matters, and their destiny matters. We have no right to prevent life or to end life. Our current immoral ideologies and social policies lead to needless death. They are a tragedy. The day will come when people will look back at our history and be horrified at the savagery of this age. We have shown ourselves to be entirely self-absorbed and cruel.