Problems with claims that sanctity leads to 'pro-life' law, and reasons for doubting it to be a convincing 'middle way'

This paper focuses on the idea of pro-life arguments and the sanctity of life doctrine in the context of debates on end-of-life law. Advocates of the sanctity doctrine are often thought of as being pro-life, which has potentially troublesome implications in policy debate. I explore what it means to be pro-life, and consider sanctity's relation to this. I question the coherence and appeal of truly pro-life law, and law that is premised on the sanctity doctrine. The analysis allows me to examine and reject the idea that the sanctity doctrine is reasonably described as a 'middle way' that we should enshrine in policy and practice. © YOZMOT 2008.