Fifth Commandment 1. The fifth commandment requires us to respect the sacredness of human life in all its stages, and to take proper care of our own life and the lives of others. All people deserve respect because they are created in the image and likeness of God, have been redeemed by Christ and are destined for eternal life. Every type of prejudice is to be overcome and rooted out as contrary to God s intent and to human dignity.
Murder is direct and intentional killing.
Murderers and those who cooperate with them commit grave sin, as does anyone who indirectly contributes to another s death. This commandment applies to all innocent human life, including that of the unborn child, who has the same right to life as any other person. Abortion at any time after the child is conceived deprives the unborn of this basic right, and therefore is murder. Parents have parental rights over the unborn child, but these are all positive and supportive, such as to name, educate and protect the child. Neither parents, doctors nor the State can deprive the unborn of their inalienable right to life.