Sanctity of Life vs Quality of Life: GCSE RS
Understand sanctity of life vs quality of life in AQA GCSE Religious Studies Theme B, with clear definitions, a practical example and an exam mistake to avoid.
Sanctity of life means that human life is sacred and has value in itself. Quality of life means how good or fulfilling a person's life is, taking account of factors such as health, pain and independence. The difference is that sanctity of life focuses on the value of life itself, while quality of life focuses on a person's experience of living.
Why do they matter?
In AQA GCSE Religious Studies Theme B: Religion and life, these ideas help explain different views on abortion and euthanasia. Many Christians believe life is a gift from God, so humans should protect it. This is an argument based on the sanctity of life: a person's life remains valuable even if they are seriously ill or have a disability.
Someone arguing from quality of life might focus on severe suffering and whether treatment helps a person live well. For example, in a discussion about euthanasia, they might argue that a person with a terminal illness should have a say in how they face unbearable pain. Others would disagree, arguing that deliberately ending life is wrong even in those circumstances.
How to compare them
Suppose a person with a terminal illness is offered treatment that could extend their life but would cause significant discomfort. A sanctity-of-life argument might emphasise protecting their life. A quality-of-life argument might ask whether the extra time would benefit them, given the discomfort. Neither idea alone tells you what every religious believer would decide: beliefs and circumstances can differ.
Common exam mistake: Do not claim that valuing quality of life means thinking disabled or ill people's lives are worth less. It concerns a person's wellbeing, not their worth. Explain each view carefully and link it to the specific issue in the question.
