In religion and ethics, the sanctity of life, sometimes described as the inviolability of life,[1][2] is a principle of implied protection regarding aspects of sentient life that are said to be holy, sacred, or otherwise of such value that they are not to be violated. This can be applied to humans, animals or micro-organisms; for instance, in religions that practice Ahimsa, both are seen as holy and worthy of life[clarification needed]. Sanctity of life sits at the centre of debate over abortion and euthanasia.[3]
- ^ Keown, John (2012-05-01). The Law and Ethics of Medicine. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199589555.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-958955-5.
- ^ Keown, John (2012). The law and ethics of medicine: essays on the inviolability of human life. Oxford (GB): Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-958955-5.
- ^ Clarke, Steve (January 2023). "The sanctity of life as a sacred value". Bioethics. 37 (1): 32–39. doi:10.1111/bioe.13094. ISSN 0269-9702. PMC 10087279. PMID 36131633.