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Orthodox Philosophy & Ethics

Orthodox Bioethics

Orthodox positions on bioethical issues: life begins at conception (opposing abortion); euthanasia is rejected (suffering has redemptive value); organ donation is generally accepted as an act of love; IVF raises concerns about embryo destruction; cloning is rejected. The sanctity of human life from conception to natural death is foundational.

Sources

  • Fr. Stanley Harakas, Health and Medicine in the Eastern Orthodox Tradition
  • Encyclical of the Holy and Great Council (2016), §14 the official texts

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