WHAT IS MEANT BY THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE?
THE FOUR VIEWS Broadly, four entirely different meanings of the expression the sanctity of life can be detected in the authorities. They are as follows: First, that any human who is biologically alive is sacred. Second, that there is no magic in biological life per se: what is sacrosanct is the conglomeration of those characteristics of human life which constitute the quintessence of a human being. Third: it is not human life itself which is to be reverenced, but the rights which a human being possesses by reason of his humanity. And fourth: it is not the individual, or his characteristics, or his rights which are sanctified, but his status as a member of the wider community. These propositions are examined in turn. PROPOSITION (1): IT IS BIOLOGICAL LIFE THAT IS SANCTIFIED In English law, PVS patients are alive. In Bland Lord Goff said: I start with the simple fact that, in law, Anthony is still alive. It is true that his condition is such that it can be described as a living death, bu
