It excludes, abortion, euthanasia, human embryonic research and manipulation, whether to obtain embryonic stem cells or for artificial reproduction technologies, and any other intentional killing of the innocent in peace or war. The taking of innocent human life is an intrinsic evil which may never be justified. The taking of the life of the criminal guilty of a capital crime, if deserving in justice of that penalty, or an enemy combatant in wartime, although they are not innocent still deserve a rigorous application of the norms concerning self-defense. The elderly, the terminally ill, the severely emotional distressed, and the person in a so-called "vegetative state," increasingly are finding that governments, courts, and caretakers believe they have the authority to decide the life and death of the innocent. It all started with de-humanizing the unborn child.