Information Library
St. Michael’s Respect Life Ministry can recommend educational materials to anyone interested in learning more about the Sacred Dignity Of All Human Life. The following are documents issued by the Popes, the Vatican, and the U.S. Bishops on the life affirming values of the Catholic Church.
Church Documents
Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life)
Encyclical by Pope John Paul II on the good news of life
Humanae Vitae (Of Human Life)
Encyclical by Pope Paul VI on the regulation of birth
Veritatis Splendor (The Splendor of Truth)
Encyclical by Pope John Paul II on the splendor of truth
Salvifici Doloris (On Salvific Suffering)
Apostolic Letter by Pope John Paul II on the Christian meaning of suffering
Respect for the Dignity of the Dying
Pontifical Academy for Life statement on respect for the dying, Pontifical Academy For Life
Ethical Principles on Caring for Those in a Vegetative State
Are Food and Water Extraordinary Measures?, St. John Vianney Theological Seminary
Nutrition and Hydration
Moral and pastoral reflections on medically assisted nutrition and hydration, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Declaration on Euthanasia
The church’s teaching on euthanasia and assisted suicide, Sacred Congregation For The Doctrine Of The Faith
Statement on Euthanasia
U.S. Bishops’ statement on euthanasia, Statements by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Death Penalty
Church teaching on capital punishment, Statements by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Efforts to end the death penalty
U.S. Catholic Bishops’ efforts to end the death penalty, Statements by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Declaration on the Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Vatican declaration on the use of human embryonic stem cells, Pontifical Academy For Life
Human Cloning
Reflections on cloning, Pontifical Academy For Life
Donum Vitae (The Gift of Life)
Instruction on respect for human life and the dignity of procreation, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Learn God’s design for human sexuality and family planning provided by the U.S. Bishops
In Vitro Fertilization/ Reproductive Technology
Church statement on IVF and reproductive technology, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
The Use of Contraception
Articles about contraception provided by the U.S. Bishops
Declaration on procured abortion
Church teaching on procured abortion, Sacred Congregation For The Doctrine Of The Faith
Statement on the “morning after pill”
Vatican statement on the abortive effect of the morning after pill, Pontifical Academy For Life
The Distinction Between Direct Abortion And Legitimate Medical Procedures
The Distinction Between Direct Abortion And Legitimate Medical Procedures, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
USCCB Statement On Healthcare Reform
Teaches that genuine health care reform protects the life and dignity of all , U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Pro-life Activities
Official Web site of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Office for Pro-Life Activities
Living the Gospel of Life
A challenge from the U.S. Bishops to American Catholics to live the Gospel of life, U.S. Catholic Bishops
Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities
U.S. Bishops plan for pro-life activities in our dioceses, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Faithful Citizenship
Explores Life Issues. A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States
Forming Consciences For Faithful Citizenship
Explores Life Issues. A statement to Catholics about forming their faith properly before making political decisions
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: The following Web sites are excellent resources for information on The Sacred Dignity of All Human Life.
Human Life International
The mission of HLI is to create effective opposition to the culture of death around the world. With 99 satellite offices in 87 countries, Human Life International is the largest international pro-life organization and mission in the world.
International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
An international leader in the ever-increasing debate over assisted suicide and euthanasia. Goals are to make certain that a patient’s right to receive care and compassion is not replaced by a doctor’s right to prescribe poison or administer a lethal injection.
The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Research and educational institute committed to applying the moral teachings of the Catholic Church to ethical issues arising in health care and the life sciences. The Center provides consultations to institutions and individuals seeking its opinion on ethical issues.
Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction
Assists couples to achieve pregnancy using moral methods. Contributes outstanding achievements in the field of natural fertility regulation and reproductive medicine.
Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics
Advocates stem cell research that does not destroy human embryos
National Committee for a Human Life Amendment
Promotes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution protecting all human life
The Second Look Project
A challenge to take a “second look” at basic facts about abortion in America
Americans to Ban Cloning
Promotes a global, comprehensive ban on human cloning
One More Soul
Web site dedicated Natural Family Planning, teen abstinence, and the blessings of children and the harms of contraception.
Pure Love Club
Web site devoted to chastity and abstinence outreach
Chastity
An international army of young people who promote the virtue of chastity.
Love Matters
Web site devoted to chastity. Educates, inspires and encourages youth to save sex for marriage and choose life rather than abortion.
Theology of The Body
Pope John Paul II’s integrated vision of the human person – body, soul, and spirit, The Theology of the Body Institute
Theology Of The Body
129 General Audiences of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.
Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
Explores why love reveals the meaning of the person and, through the person, of all “flesh,” the whole of creation.
Over Population Myths
Presents demographic trends that contradict over population theories.
Priests for Life
Priests for Life is an international movement of clergy and laity of all denominations working to end abortion and euthanasia.
Illinois Catholic Conference
The public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Illinois