Warsaw, Poland, Sep 29, 2008 / 01:54 pm (CNA).- The European Federation of Catholic Medical Associations issued a statement at the conclusion of its 11th annual congress expressing its firm commitment to the defense of life in response to the threats of abortion, euthanasia, genetic manipulation, the creation of human embryos, and others.

In their statement, they stressed that ethical norms and principles precede civil laws, which should be influenced by natural law and the teaching of the Church.

They went on to state that decisions about “the medical treatment for patients who put their trust in us should be guided above all by our conscience. Moral evaluation of medical practice should not be based on superficial opinions or the latest tendencies, but rather on the sensibleness of a conscience formed according to the objective ethical norms common to all people and constantly defended by the Church.”

“In order to guarantee the free exercise of our profession, we must defend the right to conscientious objection,” they said.

After emphasizing the spotless moral character that a doctor should have, they noted that “the source and foundation of ethical norms is the inalienable dignity of the human person throughout his or her life, from conception to natural death.”

In a later reference to euthanasia, the doctors explained that by rejecting such a practice, “We are supporting the development of palliative medicine,” and by not allowing abortion, “We seek to assure the correct vigilance over every kind of care for the family and for sick children, both before and after birth.”

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